300 Thank yous aT volunTeer dinner

“It was an extension of thoughtfulness,” said Barbara about the preparation that went into the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner.

The Folklorama volunteers honoured that night came in many forms including pavilion coordinators, event volunteers, tour guides, president’s tour drivers, committee members, ambassadors and many more.

Of course, Folklorama also relies on thousands of other volunteers including pavilion admissions chairs, bar chairs, cultural display attendants, pavilion set up/tear down teams, guest services attendants, kitchen staff and many others that due to the sheer number, cannot be hosted at one dinner event.

Every year, out of those thousands, Folklorama recognizes outstanding volunteers with the Al Malbranck Memorial Volunteer Award – an award given to individuals whose names were submitted by their pavilions who far exceed the expectations as a pavilion volunteer. A draw was held to determine the award recipients from the names submitted.

This year, five volunteers were honoured with the award. Seen in the photo below (left to right): Katherine Francis, Caribbean Pavilion; Lena Takatsu, Japan Pavilion; Joanne Malbranck, Honourary Member and award presentor; Julia Martin, Pabellón de España – Spain Pavilion; Brittany Asha Young Tenn, Indo Caribbean Paradise Pavilion and India Pavilion and Mohamed Ismath, President, Folklorama. Missing: Irina Fradkov, Russian Pavilion – Back to the Past.ll

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Vol. 12, Issue 4 October/November/December 2011

It was a big surprise,” said Barbara Sampson, who won two of nine

door prizes at the Folklorama Volunteer Appreciation Dinner held on Tuesday, September 13, 2011. “I didn’t think I’d win anything after the first one,” said the assistant pavilion coordinator at the Caribbean Pavilion.

The Folklorama Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at Canad Inns Club Regent Casino Hotel was held to honour the hard work, dedication and tireless efforts of Folklorama volunteers who helped make the festival possible.

Barbara, a retiree, was one of approximately 300 guests that were appreciated for their contributions to the Folklorama festival in 2011. She especially liked the mini donuts that were served outside of the hotel lobby that all guests were treated to. Goodies from a candy bar and a free silent auction also started the evening’s festivities before the buffet table opened at 7:00pm.

The evening’s program was hosted by the 2012 Adult Ambassador Generals Maria Rondinone-Costantino and Rogerio Garrido Fenez.

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Folklorama invesTs in sTudenTs’ FuTures

It was money well invested when six scholarly students received $7,500 worth of scholarship

awards at the Folklorama Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on September 13, 2011.

The six were honoured with the Mark & Dorothy Danzker Scholarship of Excellence, a joint endeavour between Folklorama and the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba. The awards were presented by Ashley Sharpe, Chair of Scholarship Committee at Folklorama. (Left, in photo above.)

Recipients were selected based on their direct and active involvement in preserving cultural heritage, done either through volunteer work or employment within Canada. These individuals also volunteered in a cultural activity in the Winnipeg community while performing well in their studies, keeping a grade point average of 3.0 or better. This year’s scholarship awardees were (from left to right in photo above): Eric Garcia, $2,500 award; Zoë Wreggitt, $1,000 award; Katherine Jantz, $1,000 award; Miguel Marchildon, $1,000 award; Kaitlin Vitt, $1,000 award and Lindsay Bristow, $1,000 award.

“It is important for students to preserve their cultural heritage because it personifies who we are as individuals and we should be proud of

our cultural heritage all the time. When we preserve our cultural heritage, we ensure that it is going to be passed on from generation to generation,” said Eric Garcia, winner of the post-graduate studies scholarship award.

In order to be selected for one of the five $1,000 scholarships, the applicant must be accepted to or currently enrolled in a university, college or other recognized post-secondary institution within Canada. The student must be between the ages of 17 and 25 years old and a resident of Manitoba. A student pursuing post-graduate studies can be eligible for the $2,500 post-graduate scholarship award. The applicant must be accepted to or currently enrolled in a post-graduate institution. The student must also be a resident of Manitoba and plan to stay in Manitoba after completing his/her studies.

“When we preserve our cultural heritage, we ensure that it is going to be passed

on from generation to generation.”

- Eric Garcia

Winnipeg perFormers share inTernaTional spoTlighT in perú

Two Folklorama member performing groups were among the 13 groups from around the world performing in the

international competition at the 15th bi-annual Festidanza in Perú, from August 24 to 29, 2011.

Ça Claque!, representing Canada, and Zoloto Ukrainian Dance Company, representing Ukraine, took part in the festival.

Christian Hidalgo-Mazzei, Agency Producer for Folklorama, traveled with the groups from Winnipeg to the city of Trujillo, Perú – the third largest country in South America with a population of 28.2 million.

“Festidanza has a very strong relationship with Folklorama,” said Christian.

The 2011 festival marked the fourth time Folklorama has participated in the competition. This year, Zoloto Ukrainian Dance Company took home the title of Best Performing Group at the festival.

Christian said the festival gave Winnipeg performers a great opportunity to meet other performing groups similar to their own and to learn about different cultures and the host country.

“Coming to this festival allows performers to experience everything at an international level. From the excitement and rush of competing with other groups from around the world to the anxiety of performing in front of a different audience – it’s all part of it,” said Christian.

In addition to a multicultural experience, performers had the opportunity to connect and network with other talented groups, share ideas and build relationships with individuals of the same age.

“I remember one morning; a Chilean girl from one of the performing groups was celebrating her birthday. As everyone quietly ate their breakfast, one of the guys from Ça Claque! got up and sang her a birthday song in French. Then another from the Rousskiye Ouzory Dance Company sang in Russian. In the end, three birthday songs were sung to her, including in her own language, Spanish,” recalled Christian.

“The memories performers make in this trip are indelible and the bonds made last a long time. Folklorama will continue to reach out and branch out to sister festivals to seek opportunity for cultural exchanges,” said Christian.

Folklorama has participated in the Festidanza festival in Perú since 2005 and has brought 13 different Folklorama member groups to compete in the festival held every two years.

While there are parts of the country that are quite modern, many Peruvians still follow rituals and customs from hundreds of years ago.

The 2011 Festidanza was held in the city of Trujillo, Perú and was Folklorama’s fourth time participating in the competition.

Members of Ça Claque! on the streets of Trujillo, Perú during Festidanza.

Photo credit: Christian Hidalgo-Mazzei

volunTeerism alive aT Folklorama

Folklorama has been a volunteer-based event since its first festival in 1970 and attracts around 20,000 individuals

annually who dedicate their time to help out with the festival. Suzanne D’Amours, pavilion coordinator for the Pavillon canadien-français, was one of those volunteers in 2011.

Suzanne began volunteering with Folklorama at the Pavillon canadien-français nine years ago, before becoming adult ambassador in 2007 and 2008. In 2009, she stepped into the role of pavilion coordinator because she loved the feeling of the festival and the connection it made with the community through the pavilion.

“I became the coordinator because nobody was available in 2009. I continued especially for my daughters; I wanted to show them how it feels to contribute to the community,” said Suzanne. “They grew up with this, and I wanted to ensure that our pavilion continued to grow so that these opportunities remained for them, and also for the community.”

Folklorama volunteers held many positions leading up to and during the festival, ranging from clean up crew in pavilions to President’s Tour drivers to bar chairs. No matter what the position, all of them worked together toward the success of the festival.

According to Sheri Jack, Director of Festival Services at Folklorama, being able to pass on cultural traditions is an important reason why someone would want to volunteer with the festival.

In fact, many generations of families can be found volunteering in Folklorama pavilions. At the Hungary-Pannonia Pavilion, where Elizabeth Kovach volunteered as pavilion coordinator, she was surrounded by family: her mother, who led the kitchen staff; her husband, who made delicious deep fried langos; her daughter, who was the artistic director; her son, who was a performer and helped with pavilion set up; her cousin, who worked in admissions; and many young nieces and nephews who made working in the pavilion more enjoyable.

Many also volunteer with Folklorama because it unites their community during the two weeks of the festival. It is during this time when individuals bond with family and connect with old friends, all working under one roof.

“When we work to make the pavilion a success, we feel an immense sense of pride in sharing our culture, but also a great sense of satisfaction that we are able to bring the community together. That is very rewarding,” said Suzanne.

Cambrian is proud to sponsorthe Folklorama Ambassador Program.

11 branches serving Winnipeg and Selkirk I 925-2600 I www.cambrian.mb.ca

A volunteer in the Hungary-Pannonia Pavilion carefully cuts dough used for langos - deep fried bread dough.

Photo credit: Lance Thomson Photographic

What a fantastic Folklorama! The 14 days of the festival were truly special as everyone

involved showcased their cultures with enthusiasm and pride. During those two weeks, we certainly accomplished our mission of celebrating diversity and promoting cultural understanding. And we did it all while giving our festival-goers an experience

they won’t soon forget. I would like to congratulate and thank each and every one of our devoted volunteers. This simply would not have been possible without you.

I would also like to congratulate the six recipients of our Mark & Dorothy Danzker Scholarship of Excellence. Their commitment to preserving cultural heritage, along with their academic excellence, is truly outstanding. When the time comes next year, I encourage all of our youth to consider applying.

Organizationally, the board of directors, under the direction of a third party consultant, is currently working towards completing our new five-year strategic plan, to be implemented for 2012 to 2017.

I would like to thank my fellow board members for their steadfast support and dedication. Please remember that as an organization, we are always in need of individuals that can help us continue to grow and succeed. If you are interested in running for the board of directors, please do so. The strength of this organization begins with you. Thank you also to the hard working Folklorama staff.

On behalf of myself, my family and the board, I wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season.

Mohamed Ismath

staffEman Agpalza, Marketing Coordinator Chelsey Delaquis, Tourism Coordinator Murray S. Greenfield, Director of Tourism Christian Hidalgo-Mazzei, Agency Producer Sheri Jack, Director of Festival Services Robert Jones, Director of Finance & Administration Allison McKinnon, Office Assistant/Receptionist Edson Novoa, Agency Coordinator Tanya Santini McClelland, Festival Services Coordinator Jannette Saul, Accounting Assistant Jo-Anne Swanson, Executive Assistant

Board of directorsMohamed Ismath, President Tracy Balagus, Chair of Finance & Audit Committee Dr. Rayleen De Luca, O.M., Chair of Licensing Committee Angie Boehm, Chair of Membership CommitteeAmelia Sheocharan, Chair of Review Committee Yvonne Hawryliuk, Chair of Youth Committee Ashley Sharpe, Chair of Scholarship Committee Jim Court, Chair of Nominating Committee, Past President Julian Giubega, Director Shubha Mathur, Director Zaleena Salaam, Director Gary Sarcida, Director

Folklorama2nd Floor - 183 Kennedy Street Winnipeg MB, Canada R3C 1S6 P 1.204.982.6210 F 1.204.943.1956 TF 1.800.665.0234 E info@folklorama.ca www.folklorama.ca

message From The presidenT

Kelly Rybachuk, Director of Marketing & . Communications, is moving on to a new

position as communications officer with Manitoba Public Insurance. Her last day at Folklorama will be October 14.

Kelly started in her leadership role at Folklorama in October 2009 and brought with her a passion for

communications and a positive attitude that was greatly appreciated by all the staff. Best of luck in your new role, Kelly!

FareWell

K

FesTival highlighTsWith 432,000 visits in two weeks of celebrating diversity,

many stepped out to the 45 pavilions to enjoy the 42nd Folklorama festival. This year also marked outstanding attendance at Folklorama Kick-off and the launch of a free smartphone app for iPhone and iPad – a new tool to enhance the Folklorama experience.

Visitors got to experience even more culture with three new pavilions joining the festival. New pavilions this year were the Brasil Carnival Pavilion, Punjab Pavilion and Spirit of Ukraine Pavilion. The Indochina Chinese Pavilion and Japan Pavilion were oldies but goodies that also rejoined the ranks of the 2011 pavilion lineup.

Folklorama Kick-off, presented by Manitoba Lotteries, was held at The Forks on July 30 and an estimated 20,000 people enjoyed the fun-filled family celebration under the hot summer sun. Athletic apparel retailer lululemon led some attendees through a yoga class while others perused the Ethnic Market and sponsor tents. Then the mainstage illuminated at 6:00pm with lively performances while hosts Jordan Witzel of CTV and Ace Burpee of HOT 103 kept everyone entertained. The evening ended with a bang as the sky above the Scotiabank Stage lit up with a vibrant display of fireworks.

This year, the new Folklorama smartphone app was launched and was received with a positive response. It was downloaded 5,527 times by smartphone users who enjoyed an electronic version of the traditional Travel Guide but with some nice, additional features to make the festival more interactive. One of those features was locating pavilions on a map with the help of the GPS function on the phone that made pavilion hopping effortless.

“It was a fantastic festival. We had so much fun with so many people and I’d like to thank everyone who celebrated diversity with us. I’d also like to thank our dedicated, hard working volunteers. Without them, none of this would

be possible.”

- Mohamed Ismath President, Folklorama

Folklorama 2011• 432,000 visits to 45 pavilions from

July 31 to August 13

• 20,000 people in attendance at Folklorama Kick-off at The Forks

• 3 new pavilions: Brasil Carnival Pavilion, Punjab Pavilion and Spirit of Ukraine Pavilion

• 117 touring groups from Canada, United States and Japan

• 2 new specialty VIP World Tours: VIP Mingle Tour and Wheelchair Accessible Tour

• launch of Folklorama smartphone app: 5,527 downloads

Photo credit: Lance Thomson Photographic

geT on Board!Folklorama is, once again, in the process of seeking potential

candidates for its board of directors.

“You are the voice of the community,” said Zaleena Salaam, the newest member of the Folklorama board of directors. Zaleena, who began her two-year term on March 31, 2011, said being a director has its challenges and rewards. She believes being on the board means being the voice of change that will drive Folklorama to become a better and stronger organization in the future.

Folklorama’s nominating committee is responsible for recommending people for election to the board of directors. The committee was formed in April and is chaired by Folklorama Past President Jim Court.

neW amBassadors general announced aT inaugural ceremony

“A committed individual who is passionate about Folklorama, its mission and ideals,” is the key quality Jim and his committee will look for in an interested candidate.

If you are interested in running for the 2012-2013 board, you must be a member of Folklorama or a member of a member organization. Each candidate must submit a nomination form along with their résumé and two letters of reference from two different communities, not-for-profit organizations or Folklorama members by February 6, 2012 (date subject to change).

After all applications have been submitted, the nominating committee interviews applicants and then presents the slate of candidates 30 days prior to the Annual General Meeting (AGM). At that point, members have up to three days before the AGM to challenge the slate. Other interested members not on the slate may still be nominated by three Folklorama members. Once the slate has been finalized, the election commences at the AGM.

Folklorama will be hosting an information evening for members interested in running for the board of directors in the second week of January 2012 (date to be determined). Please call the Folklorama office at 204.982.6210 for more details or contact your member organization president.

The 2011 Folklorama Ambassadors’ Inaugural Ceremony was a celebration fit for a Greek god. The Greek-themed

event, presented by Manitoba Liquor Marts on July 13, 2011, recognized the 179 individuals that represented their pavilions as 2011 Folklorama ambassadors.

The banquet room at Canad Inns Destination Centre Polo Park was transformed into a Greek temple complete with Ionic columns adorning each corner. The grandeur of perfect-bodied sculptures embellished the front stage where the Folklorama ambassadors – the stars of the evening – took their inaugural spotlight. The new ambassadors were joined on stage by the Honourable Greg Selinger, Premier of Manitoba; Joyce Bateman, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre; His Worship Sam Katz, Mayor of Winnipeg; Christine Girardin from Manitoba Liquor Marts and Kim Wentz from Cambrian Credit Union.

The evening’s highlight was the Ambassador General Competition, during which guests got to hear a little bit from the finalists. Youth ambassador finalists were asked to present a prepared speech about the mission of Folklorama, while the adult ambassador finalists were asked to answer a question regarding the importance of volunteering within their respective ethno-cultural communities.

“On the evening of the Inaugural, I felt relaxed and so happy to

The 2011-2012 Folklorama Board of Directors comprises 12 members from various communities.

be part of the ambassador group. I became a little nervous after my name was announced as a finalist in anticipation of the question. I did my best, stayed true to myself, and in the end it paid off,” said Maria Rondinone-Costantino, Italian Pavilion – Viva l’Italia Adult Ambassador.

Maria’s impressive speech and positive attitude wowed the judges of the Ambassadors General Competition and earned her the title of 2012 Adult Ambassador General of Folklorama.

“I am a strong believer in preserving cultural heritage and helping people understand and appreciate cultural diversity. To represent Folklorama as an ambassador general is not only a great honour, but an opportunity to be involved with the entire Folklorama festival,” said Maria.

Maria (second from right in photo below) is joined by Rogerio Garrido Fenez, Adult Ambassador General (right); Peirce Dickson, Youth Ambassador General (left) and Akosua Bonsu, Youth Ambassador General (second from left).

2012 Folklorama Ambassadors General Photo credit: Lance Thomson Photographic

WhaT memBers should knoWA Night of Song and DanceThursday & Friday, October 13 & 14 Centennial Concert Hall (555 Main Street) The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra collaborated with the Bolero Dance Theatre to create a bond between music and dance in a hypnotic and powerful performance. Visit www.wso.ca for info on tickets and times.

Folklorama at Jaguars Restaurant & Lounge Friday, October 21 - 9:00pm to 12:30amClub Regent Casino (1415 Regent Avenue W) Brenda & Secuencia Latina Band is playing hot Latin American music, creating a fusion of Cumbia/pop, Tex Mex, Merengue and Salsa. Tickets: $7 at door | $5 for Club Card members

Salsa Explosion’s Halloween Costume Party Friday, October 21 - 9:30pm to 2:00amBlue Lagoon - Canad Inns Club Regent Casino Hotel (1415 Regent Avenue W) Wear your best costume and dance, dance, dance! Tickets: $10 | Call Valeria at 204.955.1875

Romanetz Ukrainian Halloween SocialSaturday, November 12 - 8:00pm to 1:00amOxford Heights Community Club (359 Dowling Avenue E) Why not get one more use out of your Halloween costume? Prizes for best costume. Tickets: $10 | Call Kerri at 204.222.3709

Download Llama Tales from our website at www.folklorama.ca

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL TIMEThe time to renew your Folklorama membership is coming up. Membership renewal packages will be mailed out on October 24, 2011. The membership renewal fee for 2012 is $40. The deadline for receiving payment is December 15, 2011. Any renewals paid after the deadline are subject to a 100% surcharge (i.e. $80 instead of $40).If you have any questions or concerns regarding your membership, or if you do not wish to renew your membership, please contact Tanya Santini McClelland at 204.982.6213 or santinit@folklorama.ca.

FOLKLORAMA INFORMATION EVENINGFolklorama is hosting an information evening for members interested in running for the board of directors in the second week of January 2012 (date to be determined). Please call the Folklorama office at 204.982.6210 for more details.

FOLKLORAMA OFFICE CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAyS Our office will be closed Monday, December 19, 2011 to Monday, January 2, 2012 and will re-open, Tuesday, January 3, 2012. Happy holidays from the staff at Folklorama!

UPCOMING yOUTH CONFERENCEThe Folklorama youth committee is planning a youth conference in February 2012. Watch out for more information to come on this exciting, new initiative.

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AND FACEBOOK Folklorama has 2,000+ friends on Twitter and Facebook! Be in the loop with the latest news, event info and important dates from Folklorama by following @Folklorama on Twitter and liking us on Facebook. It’s a great way to stay connected with Folklorama!

For advertising rates, article submissions or comments, please contact Eman Agpalza, Marketing Coordinator, at agpalzae@folklorama.ca or 204.982.6230. Advertising and article submission deadline for January/February/March 2012 issue is Wednesday, December 7, 2012. Visit www.folklorama.ca for more information and our rate card.

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Folklorama Kick-off 2011 | Photo credit: Lance Thomson Photographic