September 2012

A Newsletter from Neighbourhoods, Parks and Community Recreation Northwest

Annual Free Admission Day! Sunday September 30th

Enjoy a full day of family fun with free admission to City attractions and selected recreation centres! It's the City's way of saying thank you to citizens. Edmontonians are invited to enjoy free admission from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm at select City of Edmonton attractions and leisure, sport and fitness facilities. The following West and area facilities and attractions will offer fun activities that focus on educating and entertaining visitors: Grand Trunk Fitness & Leisure Centre Jasper Place Fitness & Leisure Centre Bill Hunter Arena City of Edmonton Archives Fort Edmonton Park John Walter Museum Muttart Conservatory Edmonton Valley Zoo City Arts Centre For more information about other participating locations go to www.edmonton.ca or call 311.

Community League Day Events in Northwest

Please visit the EFCL website or Community League websites for more information www.efcl.org September 8th Caernarvon Carnival Themed Family Fun Day, 1-4pm Glenwood - Community BBQ & Fireworks, 5-10pm September 9th Lorelei/Beaumaris Family Fun Day, 11am-2:00pm September 15th West Meadowlark Face-painting and outdoor activities, 12-3pm Elmwood Pancake Breakfast and Membership Drive, 911:30am Lynnwood Annual Corn Roast Cumberland/Oxford Community Walking Map Workshop, 10am-2pm Baturyn Family Fun Day, 12-4 pm Meadowlark Park BBQ and Carnival, 11am-3pm Laurier Heights Country Fair, 3pm-6pm Crestwood Last Days of Summer Family BBQ, 5:30pm-10:30pm Parkview Pancake Breakfast and Family Activities, 8:30-11:30am Willowby Family Fun Day Athlone Carnival Themed Family Fun Day, 1-4 pm Rosslyn Family Fun Day, 10 am-2pm Kensington Family Fun Day, 1-4pm Wellington Family Fun Evening Movie in the Park, 7-11pm September 16th Westmount Family Fun Day, 1-4pm Jasper Park Community Day Family Event, 12-4pm September 22nd Griesbach Shake at the Lake, 12-5pm Glastonbury - Family Fun Day, Sept 22 12-3pm

Summer Successes!
Many children had opportunities to have fun this summer and its all possible because of Community Leagues willingness to co-sponsor programs with Community Services. Thank you for your dedication and commitment! THANK YOU to all Community Leagues for your support in offering a wide range of summer recreation opportunities for preschoolers, children and youth. In September, CRCs will be asking representatives from your league to help us evaluate summer programs. Were looking forward to including your comments so next summer can be even better.

September 2012

Funny Moments from Summer Programs

"everything we did was as fun as the bouncy castle. But you don't need to worry. I did not pee my pants. But it was so fun I wanted to". A child at Sherbrooke was walking in front of the leader. The girl said "I can't see you because you are behind me and the eyes in the back of my head have not grown in yet". The leader asked if he had had eyes in the back of his head. The girl said "no, only moms have eyes in the back of their head. I can't wait to be a mom so I have more eyes". At Gordon Drynan Park the staff and kids were talking about what theme days they should have on-site. One child said "our theme should be the 90's. Like in the olden days".

Unleashing the Power of Kids at Hope

Its a Culture, not a Program.
Founded in 1993 by Rick Miller, Kids at Hope has been challenging traditional views of children and youth. Specifically by changing mindsets from at risk to at hope, children will be allowed to identify and realize their potential. The City of Edmonton is working to realize this potential in children and youth by taking steps to become a Kids at Hope City. By exposing people to Kids at Hope we are working to change the culture of our City. Sound interesting? Learn more about the Kids at Hope culture change by attending our Hopeology Workshops: Wednesday October 17, 2012: 6:00pm 9:00pm Central Lions Senior Centre 11113 113 Street Thursday November 15, 2012: 1:00pm 4:00pm Circle Square 11808 St. Albert Trail (Note this workshop is waitlisted) For information or to register for this workshop: Email: westrsvp@edmonton.ca Phone: 780.423.5827 Empowers. Inspires. Transforms. www.kidsathope.org

Is Your Rink Ready for Winter?

With only a few months before the snow flies, turf mowing crews will be through neighbourhoods cutting grass. Community Leagues wishing to have the turf inside of the rink boards cut, must have access made available for the equipment. Please remove a section of rink boards, open gates or supply keys so we can gain access. Ground level access must be made available for equipment to enter. Please contact Josh at 780-496-7325 to arrange for a time for cutting the rinks.

Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund

The Government of Canada has announced the new Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund, designed to help fund projects to rehabilitate, improve or expand existing community infrastructure. Priority will be given to projects under $250,000 and organizations must match at least 50%. Applicants have until November 19, 2012 to submit their application for work being completed by March 31, 2014. Please visit http://www.wd.gc.ca/eng/home.asp to find out more, review project eligibility and complete the application process.

Board Orientation
A well planned orientation is a great way to give new board members a positive direction Information you need about your role as a board member on the Community League Learn your responsibilities on the Community League board How to participate and contribute at your Community League meetings Attend the Board Orientation Workshop September 27th, 2012 6:00-9:00 pm EFCL Office 7103-105 Street RSVP Andrea.Sage@efcl.org

September 2012

A Progressive Potluck!
Planning and hosting a progressive potluck is a fun way to spend an easy summer day among friends, family or neighbours. While, the primary goal is sharing a meal, these events offer the wonderful benefits of exercise and community connections as well. The idea is simple and the menu can be carefree! This is a great idea for families and neighbours. Simply find 4 or 5 people to host a portion of the meal. If you are lucky, people will live close to each other and you can move through the menu on foot or by bike. Each family prepares a piece of the meal: appetizers, salad, soup, entre and dessert. The menu can include simple summer fare and each family can bring their own beverages along so that each host only provides the food. Spread the meal out so you end up spending up to 1 - 1 hours at each location so there is ample time to eat, visit and for the kids to play at each home. Potluck Pasta Salad Ingredients: 3 cups dry pasta (wagon wheel, macaroni, rotini, fusilli, etc 2 cups summer squash or zucchini sliced 1 cup fresh or frozen peas or corn (cooked) 1 red or green pepper cut into strips 8 oz of your favourite cheese cubed or feta cheese crumbled 1 can black olives sliced or whole 1 cup tomatoes diced or cherry tomatoes halved cup red or green onions diced 2 tbsp fresh oregano or basil or 2 tsp dried 1 cup balsamic or red wine vinaigrette salad dressing

COMMUNITIES CONNECT 2013 Back to Basics

Join your CRCs and neighbouring Community Leagues for three hours in March for Communities Connect Back to Basics. This is an event for Community Leagues in the North West District to come together and talk about what matters to your leagues and residents. We will provide dinner, information and resources. This is your chance to get the tools to improve and be a more effective Community League! Your CRC will be providing a survey to your Community League in September looking for the opportunities that communities would like to explore next March. Surveys will be available on-line and hard copy. Ask your CRC for more information! This event is for YOU; for Community League Volunteers to come together, build relationships and learn from each other and have some fun!

Directions: Cook pasta until tender, cool and then mix everything together. Cover and chill 2-24 hours before serving. Makes 16 side portions!

September 2012

NES Grant New Deadline Approaches

The City of Edmonton is moving into the fourth year of the Neighbourhood Engagement Strategy. During the past several months the NES steering committee has been working on making this initiative even better. Some changes you will notice: Deadline has changed to November 30 of every year. Groups that are approved for 2013 funding will be notified in early January. Updated application form there are a few different questions that we hope will provide the reviewers with more clarity. As well, you will now be able to complete the application online. An Open House showcasing some of the previous years events will be scheduled for October 2012 and is intended to assist applicants in filling out the 2013 NES Funding Application form.

Cyber Bullying and Safety Presentations

Retro Bill is a motivational speaker from America and the Official Dare Buddy. He will be coming to Edmonton to talk to the parents, teachers and community members about cyber bullying and safety. www.retrobill.com Tuesday September 25th 10:15-11:15 am Northlands, Hall D Target Audience Senior High School 1:15-2:25 pm Northlands, Hall D Target Audience Junior High School 6:30-7:30 pm Westminster Jr. High Target Audience Teachers/Parents Wednesday September 26th 10:15-11:15 am Northlands, Hall D Target Audience Elementary School 1:15-2:15 Northlands, Hall D Target Audience Elementary School Thursday September 27th 7:30-8:30 pm Beulah Alliance Church Target Audience Families For more information on any of the sessions or to confirm attendance please email Paul.looker@edmontonpolice.ca

We would like to thank those who have provided input on these changes. Please contact your CRC or Community Building Social Worker for more information.

EPL Squared Your Library Inside Out!

The library is exponentially better when its outdoors! Thats why everyones talking about the Edmonton Public Librarys big outdoor book sale and library festival. For one day only, were taking the best parts of the library outside to Sir Winston Churchill Square. This family-friendly event has activities and programs for all ages, including story times, video games and digital fun. Well even have a horse! Live music by Rooster Davis, Brothers Grim, The Mandy Reider Trio and Rebecca Lappa will fill the air. And dont forget about the book salebooks, CDs and DVDs for just a buck or two. Saturday, September 15, 10am to 6pm Sir Winston Churchill Square, www.epl.ca/squared

National Tree Day is September 26, 2012

National Tree Day will serve as a celebration for all Canadians to appreciate the great benefits that trees provide us - clean air, wildlife habitat, reducing energy demand and connecting with nature For more information, visit: http://www.treecanada.ca/national-treeday/ Three communities across Edmonton will each be receiving 10 trees for planting to commemorate National Tree Day. In West, Lymburn Park has been selected to receive the trees for planting. This will be a great addition to this park which is undergoing redevelopment of their existing playground and construction of a hall. 4

September 2012

Play Rangers Are Back!

Up for Adventure? Join our Play Rangers Crew in the Dunluce Forest!
Each week, learn new and exciting skills like orienteering, shelter building, outdoor cooking, nature photography, and much more! Meet a real life Park Ranger, learn about creatures that live in the forest and enjoy the great outdoors with plenty of fun and games! Where: Dunluce Forest (Entrance on the West side of the Forest by 158 Avenue and 121 Street) When: Thursdays, September 13th- November 1st, 2:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. Anyone aged 6 14 looking for fun in the outdoors!

CSJ and STEP Claim Forms Help

Special Sessions Scheduled!
Please join us for a quick workshop that will assist you in completing the final claim forms for summer staff hired with the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) or Summer Temporary Employment Program (STEP) Grants. Workshop Date Options: CSJ Workshops: September 25, 2012 September 26, 2012 STEP Workshops: October 23, 2012 October 24, 2012

Location: Circle Square, 11808 St. Albert Trail Time: 7:00 8:00 pm Cost: FREE To Register, Email: NCDEastEvents@edmonton.ca If you are unable to attend, but would like assistance with these forms, please contact your CRC.

Who:

The program is FREE and drop-in. No registration required. Program will be cancelled in case of severe weather. Program runs rain or shine, so please dress for the weather. For more information on the program, call 780944-5464. Co-Sponsored by the Dunluce Safety Council, the Dunluce Community League, Dunluce School Parent Council, the Friends of Dunluce Forest, the Edmonton Science Outreach Network & the City of Edmonton

WANTED: COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS

QUALIFICATIONS: YOU WANT TO MAKE YOUR COMMUNITY A SAFER PLACE TO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY.
REACH Edmonton Council for Safe Communities, in partnership with the Edmonton Police Service and the City of Edmonton, invites you to participate in a REACH COMMUNITY SAFETY CONVERSATION AND WORKSHOP. Thursday, Nov.22, 2012, 6:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Sherbrooke Community Hall, 13008 122 Avenue Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012, 6:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Evansdale Community Hall, 9111-150 Avenue Wednesday, Nov.14, 2012, 6:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. West Edmonton Village, 17311 69 Avenue NW Thursday, Nov.8, 2012, 6:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Jasper Park Community League, 8751 153 Street PLEASE RSVP to: events@reachedmonton.ca In your response, PLEASE NOTE the session you are attending.

September 2012

12 Ways to Improve Community Health (in 30 minutes or less)

While we generally think of health applying to individuals, we also must consider the health and wellness of an entire community. Read below for tips on simple things you can do to make your community a healthier place! 1. Volunteer Giving time to an organization that helps others is a way to close the gap between those who have and those who dont. And youll benefit from the warm feeling that comes from helping others. 2. Encourage healthy eating through a Community Kitchen If your city, town or neighbourhood lacks affordable, healthy food, residents can look into setting up a community kitchen, where the cost of food and facilities are shared, or a community garden, where families can grow their own fresh produce. 3. Shop at locally owned businesses, saving time and money What is important is that buying local means that the dollars spent go back into the local economy supporting infrastructure and jobs. Also many locally owned businesses offer services like free gift-wrapping and delivery. Shopping locally helps everyone! 4. Reach out to your neighbours If you dont already know your neighbours, take a few minutes to chat next time you see them. Block parties, backyard barbecues and kids play groups and play dates are great ways to get neighbours together. 5. Support your local library Go through your bookshelf and set aside materials in good condition to donate to your public library check their website first to verify their donation policy. Or talk to the childrens librarian about organizing a read-athon, with the proceeds going to the library. 6. Look into Neighbourhood Watch Neighbourhood watches encourage people to keep an eye out for suspicious activity in their communities and report any illegal activities. If your community doesnt have a program, talk to your local police about starting one or consider becoming a Block Parent (www.blockparent.ca)

7. Take a garbage bag while walking through the neighborhood Help to brighten your neighbourhood by simply bringing a bag and gloves with you on your next walk. Pick up any litter along the way. As a by-product, you can get some exercise built into your day. 8. Take left over dinner to an elderly neighbour If you have a family of four, cook enough dinner for five one night and deliver a plate to the widow next door. Your delivery helps you to get to know your neighbors better. And police promote knowing your neighbors as the best way to fight neighborhood crime. 9. Put a potted plant on your front porch When your home looks spruced up, it makes the whole neighborhood and the community to look better as well. Neighbours will notice you take pride in your home and will be compelled to do the same.

10. Look for opportunities to give in your community Many schools collect items, such as like canned foods, old coats, toys and eyeglasses, for less fortunate families. Also many groups fundraise to be able to provide important programs within your community. Watch for opportunities to make small donations to folks making large impacts. 11. Attend a local festival or other event Many events have free admission and activities. Many events are actually fundraisers for non-profit organizations who fundraise to support local programs. Besides helping our a good cause, getting out and attending events is a great way to connect with your neighbours and improve your network. 12. Welcome neighbours Whether your new neighbours are from another neighbourhood, another town, across the country or halfway around the world, make an effort to make them feel welcome in their new home. Drop by with a small housewarming gift, information on services available in the community and your phone number, in case they have questions.

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The Importance of Reporting Suspicious Activity

As a police officer, it almost seems trivial to ask this question but in reality most citizens do not know the right time to call the police or what phone number to use. Many times someone views a suspicious person or vehicle in the area but does not call the police. It is not until the next day when police are conducting door to door inquiries asking if anyone saw anything suspicious as a house was broken into. It is at this time the person who witnessed the suspicious activity realizes that they should have called when they first observed the activity. The other type of conversation that takes place is that someone will eventually call into police to report that there is always drug deals going on their street and it is the same few vehicles or people every time. When asked have you called the police to report this? The answer is usually No. If there are no calls for service or complaint the police have no idea that your street may have a problem. It is always better to contact the complaint line at 780-423-4567 and report suspicious activity than letting it continue unreported. Every call is prioritized before it is dispatched to members on the street, which is something to keep in mind as a suspicious vehicle in the area will not hold the same weight as a robbery or a violent crime call. It may take longer to have police arrive at the suspicious vehicle complaint but it still needs to be reported every time. Finally if there is an emergency then obviously 911 should be called. Keep your neighborhood safe and report all suspicious activity!

Important Dates to Remember

August 31, September 1 &2 - Movies on the Square pre-movie starts at 7:30pm with movie at 9pm; Sir Winston Churchill Square. FREE, bring your own chair. www.edmonton.ca September 1 - Kites over Callingwood (20th anniversary) September 3 - Labour Day September 4 - First day of instruction for Edmonton Public and Catholic Schools September 9 - National Grandparents Day September 15 - EFCL Community League Day. www.efcl.org. September 26 National Tree Day www.treecanada.ca September 28-30 Alberta Arts Days http://culture.alberta.ca/culturedays/ September 29 - Sports Day in Canada: A national celebration of sport, from grassroots to highperformance levels, in communities across the country. It's an opportunity for all Canadians to celebrate the power of sport to build community, fortify our national spirit, and facilitate healthy, active living. www.sportsday.cbc.ca September 30 - City of Edmonton Free Admission Day October 1 - NPDP Grant Deadline 7

September 2012

Neighbourhoods, Parks and Community Recreation Northwest Team

Director Chantile Shannon Community Recreation Coordinators Tracey Bink Una Bryce Donna Hinchey Susan Meunier Jessica Monk Alison Mould Trudy Raadik Sherry Wallace Savannah Westgarde Ruth Wong-Miller

944-5506 822-2175 944-7593 944-7595 944-5450 442-4629 944-5531 944-5528 944-5464 423-5827 496-6431

Website - www.edmonton.ca

Community Services West Office Locations Parks and Community Services (PACS) - West 11410 - 149 Street Monday Friday Jasper Place 10030 - 167 Street Monday Friday Phone: 442-4974 8:30 am 12:00 pm 1:15 pm 4:30 pm Phone: 442-4848 8:30 am 4:30 pm