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Grab a coffee and pull up a chair, welcome to another heartfelt episode of Coffee in the Park featuring Laurie Hauer, the Director of Programs and Services for the Edmonton Newcomer Centre!

Laurie grew up just outside of Ardrossan, and after high school, she began learning the trade of cabinet making. However, when a devastating fire destroyed the shop where she worked, an unexpected phone call changed the course of her life forever. Offered a temporary position providing childcare for families accessing services at the Newcomer Centre, Laurie took the job, stepped through the doors, and never looked back. Decades later, her journey from temporary caregiver to director highlights her deep passion for community and service.

Laurie sheds light on the vital work the Newcomer Centre does to help individuals and families from all over the world adjust to life in Canada. She explains how their team offers crucial settlement services, noting that there is no fixed timeline for feeling truly at home in a new country. With near 48 languages spoken across their organization, the team ensures that language and cultural barriers are met with understanding, care, and strong local support. Laurie also discusses the profound power of food in bringing people together and building cross-cultural bridges.

Laurie also shares the excitement around the RISE Awards, which celebrate their landmark 20th anniversary this year. She highlights how these awards shine a deserving spotlight on the immense contributions, resilience, and success stories of immigrants and newcomers in our city.

Tune in to hear Laurie’s inspiring story and learn how we can all play a part in creating a welcoming, supportive community for everyone calling Alberta home!

Check out the Newcomer Centre here: Newcomer Centre – Thrive Here

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Grab a coffee and pull up a chair, welcome to another inspiring episode of Coffee in the Park featuring Ashleigh Rivera, the owner of Kiwi Nursery! 

Ashleigh grew up right here in Acheson, where her parents who originally moved to Canada from New Zealand, built Kiwi Nursery from the ground up. With a background as a horticulturist in New Zealand, her father initially moved to Saskatchewan before launching a landscaping company in Alberta. Struggling to find high-quality trees for his projects, he decided to leverage his expertise and start growing his own trees and shrubs, planting the seeds for what Kiwi Nursery is today.

Growing up on the family property meant working alongside an eclectic mix of farm animals, including emus, ostriches, and wild boars. Interestingly, working in the family greenhouse wasn't Ashleigh's original plan. Driven by an early entrepreneurial spirit, she initially aimed for a career in finishing carpentry. After being discouraged by gender barriers in the industry at the time, she traveled through New Zealand and Australia until her mother called with news that she had been accepted into NAIT’s Business Management Entrepreneurship program.

After gaining hands-on management experience at the former Enjoy Centre, Ashleigh eventually returned to Kiwi Nursery to lead its next chapter. Today, she has transformed the business into a thriving community hub, introducing innovative employee education programs that teach workers plant care, communication, and life skills. In this episode, Ashleigh opens up candidly about navigating burnout, taking a life-changing RV road trip across the US with her partner, getting married on an Alaskan cruise, and returning with renewed purpose. Alongside her husband and with input from her parents, Ashleigh continues to expand Kiwi Nursery into an event destination, hosting beloved community traditions like Easter egg hunts, haunted houses, and a winter Christmas Walk.

Tune in to hear Ashleigh's incredible story of resilience, family legacy, and growing a local staple!

Check out Kiwi Garden Centre and Nurseries here: Kiwi Nurseries - Kiwi Nurseries

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Grab a coffee and get ready to bug out. Welcome to another fascinating episode of Coffee in the Park featuring Loki Snyman, the Curator of Invertebrate Zoology at the Royal Alberta Museum! 

Born and raised in South Africa, Loki discovered his passion for biology early on, meeting his wife while studying the very same field. Their joint research journey eventually brought them across the world to Saskatoon before they officially made Alberta their home. Loki and his wife both specialize in the intricate world of insects and the viruses they transmit, bringing vital scientific expertise to our province.

In this episode, Loki dives deep into the bugs we love to hate: ticks and mosquitoes. He explains why recent weather conditions created a bumper season for ticks, detailing their lifecycles, survival strategies, and which species call Alberta home. He also breaks down the massive 2026 mosquito surge in Edmonton, shedding light on floodwater mosquitoes and sharing mind-blowing facts like how mosquito eggs can lay dormant for up to ten years, why West Nile virus actually originates in birds rather than the bugs themselves, and why only female mosquitoes bite. Beyond the itch, Loki highlights the vital ecological roles played by the more than 3,500 species of mosquitoes worldwide, from pollination to serving as crucial food sources, and offers practical advice on effective deterrents like DEET, citronella, and tea tree oil.

Loki also offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at his role at the Royal Alberta Museum. From managing vast wet and dry specimen collections to overseeing live insect exhibits, he reveals how museums function far beyond public displays as essential research institutes that serve as the true backbone of biological science.

Tune in to learn everything you ever wanted to know about mosquitoes, ticks, and the incredible world of invertebrate zoology!

Check out the Royal Alberta Museum here: Home | Royal Alberta Museum

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Join Jennifer and Cam for a special edition of Coffee in the Park as they dive into all things "Summertime Sadness"! Summer in Alberta does not always go according to plan, and the hosts are breaking down all the funny, frustrating, and wildly unpredictable moments of the season.

Sipping on the brand-new "Summertime Sadness" coffee blend from The Wall, Jennifer and Cam tackle Edmonton's recent relentless rainstorms and the inevitable consequence taking over the province: a massive boom in the mosquito population. They cover the chaotic news of the bear escape at the Calgary Zoo, share personal zoo anecdotes, and take a brief turn into animal conservation efforts in Africa.

The hosts also air out a few classic everyday pet peeves, from tailgaters and left-lane campers on the roads to the skyrocketing costs of movie tickets and popcorn. They discuss the frustration of strangers cutting into private conversations, look ahead to the upcoming back-to-school traffic rush, and break down the rapid rise of E-scooter injuries and discarded scooters cluttering city sidewalks.

Tune in for a fun, relatable chat that proves a good cup of coffee and a laugh make even the rainy summer days better!

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Grab a coffee and pull up a chair—welcome to another incredible episode of Coffee in the Park featuring Geoff Stewart, the founder and owner of Rig Hand Distillery!

Geoff’s journey is anything but ordinary. Born in Woodstock, New Brunswick, his family moved dozens of times during his childhood—a penchant for new horizons that continued well into his adult life. He eventually attended the University of Alberta, where he met his wife and completed a degree in Dental Hygiene. Less than a year into his dental career, however, Geoff felt a calling to create something new. He began learning the art of tattooing, went back to school to earn a Fine Arts degree, and eventually owned six tattoo shops across the province.

After selling his tattoo businesses, Geoff set his sights on his next adventure. While initially looking into craft beer, he found the market saturated and pivoted to craft distilling. He traveled to Seattle to study the industry, completed an apprenticeship at a bourbon distillery in Ohio, and began experimenting at home while balancing his work in dental hygiene. His dedication paid off when he became just the second licensed craft distiller in Alberta.

Geoff shares the fascinating story behind Rig Hand Distillery's rapid growth, from their Leduc roots to their expansion into Texas and navigating international trade tariffs. He reveals the inspiration behind their iconic bottle shape—designed after the historic Leduc No. 1 oil rig—and talks about the incredible honor of Rig Hand's Rye Whiskey being named the official whiskey of Canada after sweeping 90% of the vote. Geoff also gives a preview of what’s next as Rig Hand expands beyond their 86 crafted spirits to include a full restaurant, an event venue, and even their own TV show, Still Shots!

Tune in to hear Geoff's remarkable story of grit, creativity, and building an Alberta institution from the ground up!

Check out Rig Hand Distillery here

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Join us for a coffee and chat with Doug Walton Sr. Advisor, Member Solutions at Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA).

From a farm near Onoway to becoming a respected leader in Alberta's trucking industry, Doug's story is one of resilience, adaptability, and passion for an industry that keeps our economy moving.

Doug's career began in an unexpected place, working security at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, until a simple question from a friend changed the course of his life: "Why not become a commercial truck driver?" In 1997, he earned his Class 1 licence and never looked back. After years behind the wheel, a debilitating sciatic nerve issue forced him to pivot from driving into transportation management, where he found a new way to serve the industry he loves.

In this episode, Doug shares why truck drivers are the lifeblood of our economy, delivering everything from the food on our tables to the vehicles we drive. Now serving as Senior Advisor, Member Services with the Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA), he is dedicated to supporting drivers and carriers through safety initiatives, mental and physical wellness programs, and advocacy efforts to have trucking recognized as a Red Seal trade in Alberta.

This inspiring conversation will give you a deeper appreciation for the people who keep our supply chains running and our communities connected. After listening, you'll never look at a commercial truck the same way again. 

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Grab a coffee and get ready to find your voice—welcome to another inspiring episode of Coffee in the Park featuring Public Speaking Coach and author, Alyson Connolly! 

Alyson’s journey into the power of communication began in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where early tap dancing classes led to a passion for theatre. After landing a spot in a CTV television musical in middle school, her future as a performer was set in stone. She went on to attend the prestigious BFA program at the University of Alberta, which brought her to the province she now calls home. From teaching summer drama in Fort McMurray—where she met her husband while performing in Grease—to spending decades working in commercials, plays, and musicals, Alyson fully immersed herself in the world of production.

After starting her family, Alyson pivoted into teaching, spending 17 impactful years at The Foote Theatre School at the Citadel Theatre, running artist residencies, and working as a drama facilitator at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital helping patients perform their stories. Driven by this deeply meaningful work, she returned to university at age 50 as one of only two people accepted into a Master’s program for Theatre Voice Pedagogy.

Inspired by helping her own son overcome his fear of public performance, Alyson eventually transitioned into the business world to launch her own public speaking coaching practice. Today, she works with everyone from CEOs and job seekers to anxious speakers and non-native English speakers, addressing not just vocal articulation, but the underlying psychology of stage fright. Her expertise even led her to author Public Speaking Skills For Dummies in 2017, a book that has since been translated into multiple languages worldwide.

In this episode, Alyson shares essential public speaking tips, including why walking with purpose beats pacing every time, and dives deep into the art of true human connection through speech. Tune in to hear an unbelievable story of passion, reinvention, and finding your confidence!

Connect with Alyson: Be sure to check out her website at Alyson Connolly for workshops, coaching, and public speaking resources.

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Grab a coffee and join us for an inspiring conversation with Jeff Meszaros, the artist behind the incredible JAM Bottle Cap Art. Jeff shares his fascinating journey from acting and performing as a musician to working in renewable energy in Southern Alberta before a life-changing opportunity changed everything.

What started as a hobby with a bottle cap portrait of John Lennon sparked an artistic journey that would lead to remarkable opportunities. Jeff's stunning creations have been commissioned by the Chicago Bulls, the Toronto Blue Jays and Labatt's, and for a fundraiser for Steven Tyler from Aerosmith. He recently presented one of his pieces to Burton Cummings of The Guess Who and is currently in conversations with the wife of the legendary Tom Petty about creating a special tribute piece.

Discover the hours and hours of work behind his breathtaking artwork, from sourcing millions of bottlecaps to spending countless hours meticulously creating unforgettable portraits.

This is a story about passion, perseverance, and taking a leap of faith. Listen to learn how one hobby turned into a thriving full-time career and why Jeff's unique art continues to captivate celebrities and collectors alike.

Check out his work on Instagram @jambottlecapart

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Grab a coffee and treat yourself to a fresh pastry—welcome to another heartwarming episode of Coffee in the Park featuring Siebe Koopman, the passionate owner of Dutch Delicious Bakery! 

Siebe’s story is an incredible full-circle journey. Though born in Barrhead, Alberta, his family moved back to the Netherlands when he was just a toddler. Years later, during a family trip back to Canada to celebrate his parents' 25th anniversary, destiny stepped in when Siebe met his future wife.

Having known he wanted to work in the kitchen since the age of five, Siebe attended a rigorous four-year baker's college program in the Netherlands, which included hands-on training running a local bakery. Although his credentials didn't directly transfer when he immigrated back to Canada to pursue his relationship, his drive and talent certainly did. After gaining experience at local shops like Grandin Bakery, Siebe seized the opportunity to buy a struggling bakery, rebranding and revitalizing it into the thriving Dutch Delicious we know and love today.

Siebe shares some of the unique cultural differences between European and Canadian bakeries, from uniforms to the shifting industry dynamics—including how baking has historically been a male-dominated field in the Netherlands compared to the more diverse environment in Canada. He also dives into what makes Dutch Delicious so unique, expanding far beyond a bakery to include a full deli and specialty European market.

Inspired by his grandparents' entrepreneurial legacy, Siebe balances running a booming business with raising his eight children. He also shares his exciting future dream of building a fully realized Dutch village right here in Alberta, complete with a local butcher and farmers to create an authentic European farm-to-table experience.

Tune in to hear this inspiring story of entrepreneurship, family, and community! Be sure to visit Dutch Delicious at their location on St. Albert Trail or find them at the Spruce Grove markets to get your fill of incredible baked goods.

Check out the bakery here: Dutch Delicious Bakery | Edmonton's Dutch Bakery

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Grab a coffee and bring your appetite—welcome to another fantastic episode of Coffee in the Park featuring the creator behind Dave Does Dining! 

Born in Vegreville and raised in St. Albert, Dave's path to becoming one of the region's favorite food bloggers wasn't exactly linear. After initially pursuing French-immersion medicine at the U of A’s Campus Saint-Jean, he realized the lab life wasn't for him. Following a well-deserved sabbatical, he pivoted to Business and Finance at MacEwan and the U of A, graduating in 2013 and working within major financial sectors. It wasn’t until his role as an Economic Growth Advisor for Parkland County that his secret weapon was truly uncovered: a massive passion for the culinary scene.

Channeling his childhood love for creativity and storytelling, Dave launched Dave Does Dining to combine his passion for people, local culture, and incredible eats.  Dave shares the heart behind the menu and explains how he goes beyond standard food reviews to bring chefs, restaurant owners, and staff directly into his videos to tell their authentic stories.

He also breaks down his love for hunting down  unique diners, taking road trips just for a great meal, and the fun dynamic of bringing his co-host, Trevor, along for completely honest, unfiltered reviews. To top it all off, Dave drops his absolute favorite local recommendations for everything from donuts and pies to pizza, breakfast joints, and hamburgers.

Dave believes food is the ultimate community connector, and this episode proves exactly why. Tune in to get a behind-the-scenes look at how the blog has grown, and walk away with a massive checklist for your next meal out!

Dave Does Dining (@davedoesdining) • Instagram photos and videos

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