Voting in North Central

Free community newspaper October 2008

North Central residents like Tanya Desjarlais have the chance to vote for what matters most to them in the upcoming federal election. Photos by Dauna Ditson Inside Voting in North Central P2 Rental housing issues Community Association talks with City Council By Dauna Ditson ing, crime, education and to catching Sheer, followed that First Nations people childcare. Though the can- by the Liberals and then (and) young people have As the federal election ap- didates agree on what the the Greens. the ability to make a huge P3 Time to vote proaches, local candidates major issues are, they dis- Scheer said everyone difference in the outcome What you need to know have a lot to say about why agree on what to do about should vote because “poli- of elections.” about heading to the polls residents should vote for them. tics affects every aspect of “I don’t think they realize on Oct. 14 them. There are four candi- your life – from what kind how much potential or how In individual interviews, the dates running in the Regi- of TV programs you can much power they actually candidates for the Regina na Qu’Appelle area. They watch to how fast you can have by... carefully consid- P6 Painting projects Qu’Appelle area -- which are Conservative Andrew drive on the roads.” ering and weighing the is- Artwork created by local includes North Central -- Scheer, New Democrat “If you want to have a say sues, looking at the parties youth is now on display said crime, the environment Janice Bernier, Liberal Rod in how your life is affected and seeing who best ad- and poverty are among the Flaman, and Green Greg … you need to vote,” he dresses the issues or the most important issues that Chatterson. said. areas of their lives that are P8 Youth visit, help out Canadians want the federal Scheer was elected to rep- North Central residents most important to them and A group of youth came to vol- government to address. resent Regina Qu’Appelle have the most to lose from then going out to vote,” she unteer in our community during The candidates said North in 2004 and 2006. In both a government that doesn’t said. the summer Central residents are con- previous elections, the address their needs, Ber- • Turn to Page 3 & 4 for cerned with poverty, hous- NDP candidate was close nier said, adding “I think more election coverage P2 NCCA Community Connection Current Issues October 2008 From the Editor Working to improve rental housing Community Association takes recommendations to City Hall

By Dauna Ditson In August, the North Cen- tral Community Associa- tion (NCCA) met with City Council to discuss how to improve substandard housing. According to City of Re- gina statistics, there are 28,000 rental properties in the city. The city consid- Hello North Central. ers approximately 3,000 My name is Dauna Ditson of these homes to be sub- and I’m the new editor at the standard, while approxi- Community Connection. I mately 280 – or one per am also in charge of mar- cent – are in terrible con- keting and communications dition. for the North Central Com- Currently City workers munity Association. aren’t allowed to go inside I graduated from the Uni- to inspect homes unless versity of Regina School they are responding to a of Journalism in 2006 and complaint or unless police, firefighters or health offi- have since worked in re- Photo by Dauna Ditson porting and in marketing cials are involved. Linda Otway poses with her newly repaired rental home. Otway, who is a former university communications. Now I’m Rather than waiting for an professor, has had repeated problems with her rental property. happy for the opportunity to excuse to inspect poten- be here sharing community tially substandard homes, Otway lived in a home City councilor Michael were just exactly the oppo- news with you. NCCA community coordi- where raw sewage was Fougere listened to the site.” You may start to notice a nator Rob Deglau asked leaking into the basement, NCCA’s proposal and said After much discussion, few differences with the the City to consider tak- where the furnace would he applauded the commu- the City councilors decided Community Connection. ing a more proactive ap- get so uncontrollably hot it nity association’s “indisput- the issue of licensing rental While the newspaper is a proach. melted her plastic laundry ably good intentions.” units is not something the project of the North Central Deglau made a case for basket, and where the bath- Even so, the problem with City is responsible for. The Community Association, my licensing rental units and tub hot water tap was stuck substandard housing is too councilors voted to pass goal is to make sure each is- inspecting all rental prop- running full blast and cost- big to fix by simply licens- the NCCA’s proposal on to sue reflects a fair and objec- erties each year to make ing her over $500 a month. ing rental units, Fougere the provincial and federal tive view of the community. sure tenants are having Even though Otway was said, adding that landlords governments for them to re- This fall is an exciting time their needs met. living in less than ideal con- shouldn’t be held account- view. as Canadians head to the These annual inspections ditions, she said she stayed able if tenants trash their Rather than waiting to see polls to vote for their favou- would cost $25 to $75 a at her rental home because properties. if the federal or provincial rite parties and candidates. year but the resulting in- she didn’t have the money “I’m not sure there’s one governments follow up on This election is a great op- crease in quality homes to move somewhere else. solution that will fix [issues the NCCA’s suggestions, portunity for North Central would be well worth the Living in substandard hous- around low income rental tenants and landlords have residents to take a stand on expense, Deglau said. ing is “chronic and there’s properties],” he said. other options available. important issues -- such as Even if the fee were just no way out of it,” she Fougere went on to note Tenants and landlords can crime and the environment passed on to tenants said, adding she wouldn’t that the cost to license rent- contact the Regina Rentals- -- by voting for the candi- through increased rents, mind paying more to know al properties could make man (see below) to make dates who will make a differ- some tenants would be her home is being inspected housing “even less afford- sure their homes are kept ence both in North Central fine with paying more for and is safe to live in. able when the intentions safe and livable.* and in Canada. better living conditions. I hope you will make the ef- Linda Otway, who rents fort to vote and to help shape in North Central, is one of What you need to know the future of our country. * these tenants.

about rental repairs Mission Statement of NCCA The following information is from the Public Legal Education Association of Sas- Working together with the katchewan. community of North Central Tenants must keep their rental properties clean and repair any damages they or to enhance the quality of life their guests cause. by representing, promoting, Landlords are responsible for making sure the building is safe, keeping appliances developing partnerships in good condition, and making sure the power, gas and water services work. and unifying our community The landlord is not allowed to refuse to make repairs, even if the repairs were nec- and its image. essary before the tenant moved in. If the landlord will not make the repairs, the tenant can ask the Rentalsman to: Our Values - tell the landlord to make the repairs, - allow the tenant to make the repairs, All People Respect Caring Pride - or to let the tenant subtract the cost of the repairs from future rent. Tenants are not allowed to: If you need any help, please contact us at : - stop paying rent until repairs are looked after, (306) 791-9888 - or to subtract the cost of the repairs from future rent without an order from or visit: the Rentalsman or without an agreement from the landlord. www.nccaregina.ca The Office of the Rentalsman is located at 2151 Scarth Street in room 120. The office phone number is 787-2699.* P3 NCCA Community Connection Current Issues October 2008

From the Introducing your candidates President By Dauna Ditson of the North Central Community Association

Andrew Scheer Janice Bernier Rod Flaman Greg Chatterson Conservative Party New Democratic Party Liberal Party Green Party

Andrew Sheer has been Janice Bernier lives in North Rod Flaman is a farmer Greg Chatterson, a brick- the Regina Qu’Appelle Central and has been here from Edenwold who grows layer from Fort Qu’Appelle, Member of Parliament close to 20 years. organic flax, lentils, barley is running for the Green since 2004. Before that he Since taking early retire- and oats. Party. worked in personal and ve- ment from SaskTel, she Flaman, who is on the Ca- Chatterson said he is hicle insurance. has been doing a lot of vol- nadian Wheat Board, said running because he cares While in office, he said unteer work. She is on the he is running for the Lib- about protecting the earth he has been trying to fo- Regina United Way board eral party because he re- and would like to help all cus on issues that matter of directors and has been ally believes in his party’s people meet their poten- to his constituents. Sheer helping out with a variety of approach to farming and to tial. Fall Fest said, “there’s a lot at stake non-profit community orga- the environment. “Mother Earth sustains us for this community (in the nizations. The Liberal environment and if we don’t participate election)” because North Bernier said she wants to plan taxes polluters and in her regeneration, Mother 2008 Central is affected by many represent North Central to credits those who are re- Earth is doomed,” he said. social issues. make sure the community’s ducing their environmental Hurricanes, heavy flood- Hello neighbors, Crime is the most common beliefs and values are re- impact, Flaman said. ing and other natural disas- Well another school year concern people in his riding flected in the government He said a Liberal govern- ters are only going to get has started and the stu- have, he said. “There’s a decision making process. ment would benefit North worse the way the Conser- dents are back to begin the lot of honest, hard working Because she has been in- Central residents in many vative government is going, 2008 – 2009 school year. people that live in the com- volved in the community for ways. For example, they he said, adding the destruc- On September 13, North munity” who are affected so long as a volunteer and would work to address is- tion of the earth is driven by Central Fall Fest 2008 had by crime. as a resident, Bernier said, sues around child care, ed- greed and power. a wonderful turnout. There Sheer criticized the NDP “I’m in the best position to ucation, affordable housing Chatterson said he really was a free barbeque, face and Liberals as being “more understand the issues. I’m and poverty, he said. cares about the Green Par- painting, basketball games, interested in the lives of in the best position to fight Rather than simply giving ty approach to helping pro- a tea room, children’s crafts criminals than in honest for the people of North families cash to help them tect the environment. and games. Canadians” in the ways Central.” with childcare, Flaman “I appreciate a healthy The weather was great they approach crime. The government needs to wants families to have ac- earth – with air you can and thank you so very In response to his constit- change because it’s getting cess to childcare facilities. breathe, water you can much to all the volunteers uents’ concerns, Sheer has harder for ordinary people Also, he argues that the drink.... (but) “if we’re de- who took the time to come personally been trying to to make ends meet, she Conservative approach to stroying the earth, we’re out and support this com- get the government to ap- said. preventing crime by mak- destroying ourselves.” munity event. prove harsher punishments Bernier would also like ing laws stricter and hand- Government is designed It is with the continued for repeat car thieves. to see more done to pro- ing out harsher punish- to serve the country but the partnerships from both Sheer also wants to pro- tect the environment. The ments to criminals are not current system isn’t work- within North Central and tect economic growth and NDP wants to tax polluters effective solutions. Instead, ing, he said. “It’s stepping from other areas of the city create more job training and and use the money to help he would like to see more backwards, not forwards.” that this event is supported skills training programs. smaller businesses and government-funded sup- “I envision a compassion- from year to year. Sheer said the Conserva- home owners retrofit their port in place for families as ate, caring society.... (but) We had the opportunity tives are doing what they homes. their children grow up. I see suffering and I don’t to have older youth join in can for the environment. The Conservatives are Flaman said, “(North Cen- think it’s necessary,” he this year and by the sounds The Conservative plan for giving breaks to huge cor- tral residents) have the said. of things -- and not to men- the environment has a goal porations that are doing so most to lose from the type It doesn’t make sense to tion the water balloons fly- of lowering greenhouse much of the polluting, she of government we’re get- “build more prisons while ing through the air -- I think gasses by 20 per cent by said. In contrast, the NDP ting from Stephen Harper.” you’re closing schools and they too had a great day. 2020. plan to tax the major pollut- The Liberals are better hospitals,” he said. “The One of the sure signs Sheer said the Regina ers would encourage those at keeping their promises one place where the (Con- the Fall Fest is a success Qu’Appelle riding is very di- corporations to clean up than the Conservatives, servative) government is for me is when my young- verse as it includes farming their act, she said. he said. (For example, Fal- prepared to spend money est daughter says that she communities and wealthy This election is important man said Harper didn’t fol- on Aboriginal people is in looks forward to this event suburbs along with North because “it will determine low through with a commit- the prisons.” each year to either help set Central. Despite the chal- the way this country goes,” ment to give $800,000,000 Voting is a powerful way to up or just have fun because lenges of representing Bernier said, adding that in equalization payments to change the way the coun- life is too short not to have communities with oppos- she would like the chance Saskatchewan.) try is run, he said, adding fun. ing interests, Sheer said he to help make Canada “a Flaman said he would like “there’s enough Aboriginal Your neighbor, feels he is doing a good job more caring and nurturing to see the government car- vote in this constituency to Brenda Mercer advocating for their needs. society.” ing more about individuals. elect a candidate.” * P4 NCCA Community Connection Current Issues October 2008 How voting works

By Dauna Ditson mand change from the government. Party lead- You can also contact Elections Canada to get ers Stephen Harper, Stephane Dion, Jack Lay- information about voting in a variety of aborigi- The Canadian elections take place Tuesday, ton and Elizabeth May each get one vote. So nal languages, including Plains Cree. Oct. 14 from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.. do you. On election day, your vote is just as You can vote if: important as theirs. 1) you are a Canadian, Candidates in Canada are elected when they 2) you are at least 18 years old, win more votes than anyone else running for 3) and you can prove your identity and government in their area. Winning candidates your address. don’t need to win over 50 per cent of the votes. To prove who you are and where you live, you All they need is one more vote than the candi- have three options. dates they are competing against. This means 1) You can show your driver’s license or your vote could potentially determine who gets other government-issued ID that has your pic- elected. ture, name and current address on it. Election facts 2) You can provide two pieces of ID, both Almost 15 million Canadians (65 per cent of showing your name and one that also shows eligible voters) voted in 2006 in the last federal This is a sample of what the ballot for the Regina your address. For example, you would be al- election. Qu’Appelle riding will look like. You will receive lowed to vote if you took your health card and North Central is part of the Regina Qu’Appelle a ballot at the polling station. To vote, place an X power bill to the polling station. riding. In the last election, close to 31,000 peo- in the circle by the candidate you support. 3) You can go to the polling station with ple from the riding came out to vote. someone who is on the government’s list of vot- Saskatchewan gets to elect 14 candidates. This voting information is provided through ers who live in the same polling area as you. If In the last election, Saskatchewan elected 13 Elections Canada.* that person has proper ID, he or she can vouch Conservatives and one Liberal. for you so you will be allowed to vote. In the 2000 federal election, only 25 per cent Where to vote of young eligible voters went to the polls. This Elections Canada will mail an information means that three out of four young voters across card to every registered voter. Keep the card Canada passed up the opportunity to influence when you get it because it will tell you where to the government. go to vote. Did you know even prisoners have the right If you don’t get a card or if you have moved to vote? North Central residents in prison dur- Submitted by Terrance Chinn since the last election, call Elections Canada ing an election can still vote for the candidates Director, Office of Residential Tenancies (at 1-800-463-6868) to find out how to register campaigning in their home areas, but not for The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) pro- to vote. those campaigning in the area where the pris- vides information on rights and responsibilities Why your vote is important on is located. of residential landlords and tenants. Our office All Canadians who are old enough to vote To learn more about how to vote or for infor- is located at 120 - 2151 Scarth Street and of- have the right to participate in choosing who mation for young voters or voters with special fers the services of an information counsellor. runs the government. Voting is a way to show needs, go to www.elections.ca or call Elections 1. What happens if I don’t know how to con- your support for the way things are or to de- Canada at 1-800-463-6868. tact my landlord? A landlord is obligated to provide you with the address for service and telephone number of the landlord or the landlord’s agent and a telephone number the tenant may contact in the Meet your candidates case of emergencies, including emergency repairs, if that number is different from the number of the landlord or agent. If the address for You’re invited to come to a question-and-answer session with the candidates service is not provided, the tenant can get help who want your votes. from the Office of Residential Tenancies. 2. Can the landlord take away the washer New Democrat Janice Bernier, Liberal Rod Flaman, and Green Greg and dryer that was originally provided or Chatterson have committed to attending the forum to address community raise the charge for the coin-op in my build- questions and concerns. As of press time, Conservative candidate Andrew ing? Scheer had not decided if he would attend. A landlord cannot terminate or restrict providing services or facilities, which would include a One of these candidates will be elected to be a part of the federal govern- washer and dryer, without first getting an order ment, so let’s make sure we know what the candidates stand for before from the Office of Residential Tenancies allow- heading to the polls. ing this to be done. As well, a landlord cannot increase any charge for a service or facility without permission from the Office of Residen- All-Candidates Forum tial Tenancies. So if coin-op charges are to be increased, the landlord would have to get per- Indian and Metis Christian Fellowship mission. 3. What happens if I leave some of my per- 3131 Dewdney sonal possessions at my old rental unit that I have now abandoned? October 7 at 7:00 p.m. A landlord has a duty to treat abandoned goods reasonably. The landlord can’t just take your If you have questions for the candidates but won’t be able to go to the question-and-answer things to the dump if they have value. A land- session, you can contact the candidates’ campaign offices. lord can apply to the Office of Residential Ten- ancies for an order allowing them to dispose of Andrew Scheer 586-2707 Rob Flaman 522-8507 abandoned property. If you want your property, Janice Bernier 949-2777 Greg Chatterson (306) 332-6906 take it with you, or at the very least, leave con- or (306) 331-7966 (cell) tact information with your landlord.* P5 NCCA Community Connection Community October 2008 Brightening up the neighbourhood

Watson taught most of the classes herself, but brought in several guest artists to show students other artistic styles. Watson’s students -- aged two to 16 -- had the opportunity to experiment with different types of art. The students learned to make Anima portraits, Plains Indian landscapes, surreal art, graffiti tags and more. After a month of summer classes -- which ran daily Monday to Friday -- the participants got to leave the last of their creations at the Dewdney Pool front en- trance as part of a lasting mosaic. Watson said she organized the art program because “kids love to have positive reinforcement and to have a chance to show off what they can do.” “Kids learn really well through art and it’s a great opportunity for them to ex- press themselves,” she added. Watson watched the kids change as the classes progressed. Some became more open and friendly, while others learned to behave themselves. The kids were really excited about her art classes and were helpful all along, always making sure paint brushes were washed and offering to carry her art sup- Photo by Dauna Ditson Danyelle Watson smiles as she poses in front of the collection of artwork plies, she said. she helped youth at the Dewdney Pool create. (See pictures on Page 7.) The mural is about community, but it’s also about how much fun the kids had By Dauna Ditson at the pool. “Everybody cares about everybody during the summer, she said. and everybody knows everybody (at the pool),” “They’re so proud of what they did. Ev- Danyelle Watson, a lifeguard with an arts educa- she said. erybody knows somebody who did one,” tion background, brightened up the Dewdney Pool When Watson decided to contribute to the com- Watson said. this summer. munity, she put her education to use by teaching “It’s been really rewarding and I’m re- Watson spent many summers as a lifeguard and art classes on the grass beside the pool over the ally glad I did it,” Watson said, adding she has worked at pools around Regina, but she said summer. missed getting hugs from the kids when there was always something different and special Watson had 15 to 50 kids showing up for her classes ended. about the Dewdney Pool. classes depending on the weather. Close to half Watson started at a teaching position in “A lot of the kids have nothing but they share of the kids were there everyday, she said. Kipling in the fall, but she had so much everything they have,” she said. “Everyone knows One of her art students, a curly-haired four year fun at the Dewdney Pool project that she how to swim because the kids there teach each old named Aiden Rosebluff, came out regularly. hopes to come back and teach other other.” His mother, Jen Rosebluff, said Aiden enjoyed community arts programs involving paint- Watson loved the sense of community she saw the classes and liked painting the best. ing or drama.* Fall Fest Road construction Volunteers prepare hot dogs and hamburgers for North Central residents dur- Streets were blocked off in North Central in September as City workers dug

ing the annual Fall Fest celebration Sept. 13. Photo by Dauna Ditson deep into the earth. Photo by Dauna Ditson P6 NCCA Community Connection Life in the Community October 2008 Spraypainting over Graffiti Young adults making the community look better

Photos by Dauna Ditson

During the summer, the North Central Community Associa- tion hired inner-city youth to paint murals over graffiti. This mural is located at Red Ribbon Place at 2735 5th Avenue.

Right: Paint fumes and the hot August sun were no match for a group of young adults on a mission to make their neighbourhood look better.

Left: Art supplies sit in the parking lot waiting to be used up.

Right: This medicine wheel is the central image for the 5th Avenue mural.

Below: Painters in- corporate their hand- prints into the mural design.

Below: Katherine Dan- iels, 21, giggles with Mike Gerrand while she works. “I like that Below: Carl Kiraly, 23, sprays a heavy coat of paint to enhance I’m spray painting for one of the flags in the mural. “I’m pretty amazed with what you a good cause and not can do with a couple of cans of spray paint,” he said. tagging,” she said. October 2008 Life in the Community NCCA Community Connection P7

Brightening up Dewdney Pool North Central kids had the opportunity to take free art classes over the summer and to put their creations up on display.

Photos provided by Danyelle Watson

Above: Artists concentrate on their creations. Below: There is quite a variety in the mural art.

Above: Four-year-old Aiden Rosebluff enjoys Watson’s art class.

Above: An art student admires one of the paintings on display.

Across: Danyelle Watson talks with her art students the day their paintings are unveiled at the Dewdney Pool.

Please see Page 5 for more about Watson and the Dewdney Pool art project. October 2008 Community NCCA Community Connection P8 Having fun and helping out

impression of North Central was very different than that of Maclean’s. He said, “although [North Central] is a community that will have to overcome some of its struggles and stereotypes, it looks like a great place to work and live.” Some of Damien’s hobbies include politics, golfing, volleyball, basketball and youth ministry.

By Ruth Ross Claire Pritchard likes to experience things for herself. She is an 18 year old who comes from the small town of Thomp- son, Manitoba. Her first impression of North Central was that it looked like any other neighbourhood, even though she had been prepared for the worst. “I believe in the small voices… reaching out to people where they are to empower them,” Claire said. She really sees the potential for good in North Central too. She believes that the kids and youth in North Central are doing a really great job of getting involved and really knowing their community. Her lasting impression is that North Central is a place that is really changing because of the people who love and have faith in it. She said she will never forget her experience in North Central.

By Claire Pritchard Merrissa Karmark signed up to come to North Central Regina because she wanted to help and better understand the people of her prov- ince. Growing up in Wadena, Sask., Photo by Anna Nowakoski Merrissa developed a passion for The team of Street Invaders pose, taking a break from their efforts to help make North writing and photography, which even- Central Regina a better place. tually got her a job working for the local newspaper. This made her aware The streets of North Central Re- are proud of others’ opinions, so she was really gina were invaded by friendly faces to live impacted by the time spent surveying when a group of Christian youth here and local residents about crime in North Central. The opportunity to called Street Invaders came here in that most talk to strangers and hear their often wildly different opinions the summer. d o n ’ t about the neighbourhood helped her, “get the jist of North Cen- The youth, who came from all across a g r e e tral.” Merrissa says her experience here “inspired me to go back western Canada, had the opportunity with the home and get more involved in the community.” The notion of to help out with various projects in label of community gardens really interests her as they are simple, af- the community. being the fordable and anyone can be involved. She sees them as sym- Before returning home, the youth in- most dan- bols of openness, trust and hope in a community. terviewed each other about their ex- g e r o u s periences here and reported on their neighbourhood in Canada. When By Sheraea Hagan findings. These are their stories. Haley returns home, she hopes to Ruth Ross, a 16 year old from Langley B.C., joined Street bring some of the community spirit Invaders this summer for the first time. She says that Street By Merrissa she experienced here back with Invaders has so far been a life changing experience. Ruth’s first Karmark her. impressions of North Central Regina were that it is a nice and As a 17 year old, Haley Thulien close community. After spending two weeks in here, she felt knows the myth that all teenagers By Joshua Mϋller that people can be safe and that there are a lot of hard-working are “lazy and not interested in com- Here to make a difference, Da- people who are succeeding in making a difference in their community” needs to change. She came mien Kurek has come to North Cen- munity. Compared to her hometown, to North Central Regina from Coro- tral Regina for two weeks to serve North Central has quite a few com- nation, Alberta with a love of helping the people of the community. Da- munity activities and opportunities for others and with hopes of making a mien, age 18, from Consort, Alber- people to get involved. Ruth thinks it difference in both her own life and ta, is helping with leading the Street is great to see people trying hard to the lives of others. Haley feels that Invaders team. For him the most fun clean up the neighbourhood and get North Central is moving forward as a thing he has done in North Central people involved to make it an even community and that there are many has been working with the kids and better place to live. This has shown friendly and motivated people work- youth, as well as doing work proj- her that she can make a difference in ing to create a safe, positive environ- ects such as maintenance on the her own community, just like people ment. She also found that residents community gardens. Damien’s first are making a difference here. October 2008 Community NCCA Community Connection P9 Youth here to make a difference

By Courtney Wiebe weeks here, the community is starting to grow different than any This summer on her and she will be sad when it is time for other city com- Aynsley Gray, her to leave for home. Her favourite activ- munity. Com- an 18 year old ity in North Central was running the Vacation pared to Caron- from Stonewall, Bible School put on by Morning Star Min- port, she finds Manitoba, de- istries. It involved singing, stories, snacks, Regina to be big- cided to go on crafts and games for all the children in the ger with a greater her fifth year of community from ages seven to 12. Jenelle’s variety of person- Street Invaders. hobbies are playing the guitar and drums. alities. The most During these two She also enjoys dancing, especially jazz, interesting things weeks, she fixed hip hop and ballet. If Jenelle feels called to she did while in up some hous- come back to North Central Regina, she will North Central es, cleaned up be glad to return because of all the positive were helping take a survey and working some yards, helped the community asso- experiences she has had in the community. with youth at Morning Star Ministries be- ciation and worked with the Morning Star cause everyone was so outgoing. She loved church organizing youth events and helping By Jenelle Heckbert spending time with the youth and getting to with Vacation Bible School. She was a little Joshua Mϋller is 16 years old. He lives know them. scared at first because of people telling her in Hudson Bay, Sask. Street Invaders go to how dangerous this area is. While spending several places all over Alberta, Saskatch- By Damien Kurek time in North Central, she learned that it is a ewan and Manitoba. This year Josh’s team Thomahawk Tames, a first time Street very progressive community that is working came to North Central Regina. Josh said his Invader, comes to North Central Regina at hard to lessen the crime. She sees a lot of favourite thing about the community was see- age 19 to serve the people of the commu- hope in the community and knows the peo- ing how it is setting nity. Over the two weeks being here, Thom ple haven’t given up. She’s left with the last- programs in motion has worked with others on projects like up- ing impression of a neighbourhood that’s full to help make North keep of the community gardens, painting of strength, hope and phenomenal people. Central a better and helping with youth and children’s events She has enjoyed her time here and hopes place and to lower at the Morning Star church. He has seen that this community will continue their path the crime rate. He the real North Central, not the North Cen- of making a difference. As for Aynsley’s fu- said the most fun tral that was unfairly portrayed by Maclean’s ture, she is heading to Australia in January thing the team did magazine. Thom sees North Central Regi- to go to a Christian college. was helping out at na as a vibrant, accepting community that is a kids’ camp. “It’s growing and changing. Although there are By Aynsley Gray good to see all the some downfalls, Brandan McDonald, 17, came to North kids having fun overall the two Central from Calgary, Alberta. He loved with the music, crafts and games,” he said. weeks here have working with his Josh’s hobbies are music, computers and been a positive Street Invaders spreading God’s love. learning experi- team because of ence. Thom said their passion to By Thomahawk Tames the work of the lo- help others and Sheraea Hagan, a first time Street Invad- cals, local church- their acceptance er, comes to North Central Regina at age 16. es and the North of his crazy self. Her goal this summer was to serve others. Central Commu- He’s enjoyed Sheraea feels like she has accomplished her nity Association is North Central goal, but doesn’t want to stop here. Sheraea positive and is making a HUGE difference in for its residents’ was slightly unprepared coming to Regina. the community at large. He looks forward to openness to She was apprehensive about coming be- seeing North Central Regina and the young each other and cause of the Maclean’s article, that called people here becoming great people recog- equal desire to improve their community. North Central the nized all over Regina, Saskatchewan and Brandan’s first impression was that North worst neighbour- even Canada.* Central was a gloomy neighbourhood and in hood in Canada. need of help. But after spending two weeks But since being in the community, he couldn’t get over the here she has seen Get involved people and the beauty of the area, saying, the truth. For the “It’s hard to describe – it’s kind of an abstract past two weeks Want to share your views on issues in our beauty.” Brandan is very good at drama and she has been go- community? The Community Connection is making people laugh, and is looking forward ing out into the always looking for community members to to finding ways to help his own community community and write for us and to submit photos. as well. has been listen- ing to stories from Call us at 791-9888 for more information. By Brandan McDonald community members. Leaving at the end of Jenelle Heckbert, these two weeks, Sheraea will always re- 14 years old, is member the people she managed to help from Brooks, Al- and helping the community as a whole. berta. Her first thoughts of North By Hayley Thulien Stapleford Pharmacy Central Regina Courtney Wiebe is 17 years old and in (Formerly Moffitt’s Pharmacy) was that it was Grade 12. She lives in Caronport, Sask. She 4113 – 5th Avenue a little scary, but enjoys playing basketball and volleyball and Regina, SK Ph: 545-5900 she felt safe with loves to sing. A little uneasy entering what her team around. Maclean’s magazine called, the “worst neigh - Now that she has bourhood” in Canada, she was delighted to 10% Seniors Discount spent almost two find that in reality North Central Regina is no Free Prescription Delivery October 2008 Entertainment NCCA Community Connection P10 Want to volunteer in the community? Here’s how to get started

Information submitted by Lisa Workman ing with the Family Basket or Good Food Box Volunteering gives you: programs, participating in community clean  A chance to help others Volunteers are very important in our commu- ups and working on community gardens.  Increased self esteem nity. North Central is fortunate to have many When you sign up to volunteer with the Dream  Opportunities to meet new people non-profit organizations that provide valuable Team, we will try to find volunteer activities that  Valuable work experience services. fit with your interests and abilities. The best  A chance to share your knowledge These agencies all rely on their volunteers to way to begin looking for a volunteer opportu-  More pride in your community and in operate. There are boards and committees as nity is to start with what you know and what yourself well as all kinds of programs, projects, fund- you are interested in.  A chance to learn new skills or develop raisers and community events to get involved Besides connecting you with volunteer oppor- your existing skills with. tunities, the Dream Team coordinator can work  Opportunities to get out of the house The Dream Team Volunteer Central -- led by with you on career planning and can even con-  A more positive outlook for the future a volunteer committee, Four Directions and nect you with other resources in the commu-  An understanding of what is going on the North Central Community Association -- is nity. in your community a program to connect volunteers with opportu- For more information or to get started with the  A chance to keep active nities to help out in North Central. Dream Team, call Lisa at Four Directions (766-  Connections with potential employers Potential volunteer opportunities include pre- 7549) or Crystal at the North Central Commu- Just imagine what you could help the Dream paring materials for classes or daycare, assist- nity Association (791-9888.) Team do to improve our community.* Cooking up a better future golf course shut down for the season. Rice said he hopes his staff will go back to school or continue working in higher-end kitchens and building ca- reers for themselves now ….at the Regent Par 3 has closed. Rice had also been looking for potential employers to take on his staff once their time with him ran out. Rice said he thinks the opportunity to work in the restaurant has the potential to change the lives of his em- ployees. Kayseas would agree. She dropped out of high school, but said working in the restaurant was a chance of a lifetime. She is now considering a career in cooking, and plans to take a cooking course at SIAST. Kayseas hopes to turn her life around and said working at the restaurant has made a big difference for her. Com- pleting her training program at the restaurant is “something I can accomplish and something I can be proud of,” she said. If the restaurant trial run proves successful and the results look promising, the NCCA would like to train new apprentice chefs each spring and open the restaurant through future golf seasons. In addition to providing training opportunities for inner- city youth, the NCCA also undertook the restaurant project to help revitalize the Regent Par 3 golf course.* .....at the Regent Par 3 Madelyn Kayseas checks the temperature of the meat in the smoker outside .....at the Regent would like to congratulate our Par 3 kitchen. Photo by Dauna Ditson trainee chefs on completing their

Sponsored Feature by Dauna Ditson Rice would take his staff on field trips – employment at the golf course once he took them out for a cheese tast- restaurant. We wish you all the Before she started working at a golf ing – to help them get used to trying new best and hope your futures are course training kitchen in Coronation things, both in the kitchen and in their lives. Park, Madelyn Kayseas, 21, said her Besides teaching them to cook, Rice said full of success. culinary abilities were pretty much lim- he was also trying to help his staff learn ited to whipping up soup and noodles. work skills and become more employable. But since she started working at The restaurant, which was a North Cen- the clubhouse restaurant, called ..... tral Community Association (NCCA) pilot at the Regent Par 3, she’s been learn- project, was designed as an opportunity ing to make much fancier meals. to provide inner-city youth with work ex- Her boss, Brian Rice, said he wanted perience and the opportunity to make his three apprentice chefs to make all the connections within the food industry. food served in the restaurant from scratch. …..at the Regent Par 3 opened in late He taught them how to make specialty sal- August and ran through September. Since ads, apple cinnamon pancakes, hickory- the restaurant was based out of the Re- smoked prime rib and more. Some days gent Par 3 clubhouse, it closed when the October 2008 Community NCCA Community Connection P11 Community Calendar

Tuesdays, September 9 to make sweat dresses (to on a budget. 1:00 - 3:00 0011 for more information. Flu Shots - late spring be worn when taking part in pm. Albert Library is at 1401 Saturday, October 11 Shots available at the Al- Care & Share a sweat lodge), how to make Robinson. Call 777-6076. Canning Session bert Scott Community Healthy and affordable ribbon arm bands for pall- Tuesday, October 7 Albert Library is holding a Centre in the multipurpose lunch for seniors in the bearers (worn at funerals), All-Candidates Forum canning information ses- room. multipurpose room at the and how to make beaded Come out to hear what the sion from 1:00 - 3:00 pm. Friday, October 31 Albert Scott Community lanyards. 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Al- candidates have to say on Albert Library is at 1401 Halloween Night Face Centre, 1264 Athol. Call bert Library is at 1401 Rob- important issues. 7:00 pm Robinson. Call 777-6076. Painting @ Albert Library 791-9888. inson. Call 777-6076. at 3131 Dewdney. Tuesday, October 14 Free face painting for all! Wednesdays, September Saturday, October 4 Saturday, October 11 Federal Elections 3:00 - 5:00 pm. 24 - November 26 Menu Planning Thanksgiving lunch See Page 1, 3 and 4 for in- Tuesday, November 11 Aboriginal Crafting Circle Albert Library invites com- Lunch is provided by Souls formation on the elections. Remembrance Day Services Join our traditional aborigi- munity gardeners to join in Harbour Rescue Mission at 7:30 am - 7:30 pm. Please be at the Agri-dome nal crafting circle. Some an information session on 1380 Elphinstone. Begins Thursday, October 16 & by 9:45 am or at the Victoria sessions may include: how the basics of menu planning around 11:30 am. Call 543- Tuesday, October 28 Park cenotaph by 10:30.

Free Classified Ads Wish a friend happy birthday, announce a wedding, advertise a garage sale here and more, all for FREE! North Central Our newspaper comes out in October, December, February, April, June and August. Get your personal ads for the December issue to us by the middle of November. Call Phone List us at 791-9888. Happy birthday, Melodie! Wanted: ping pong table in Wanted: writers to contrib- Your whole family hopes good condition. Call 546- ute news and opinion you love being 11. 4843. pieces. Call 791-9888. Happy birthday, Trudy. We Good luck in the baby crawl Congratulations on buying hope you have a great year. races, Katrina! You’re so Schools your first home, Shannon! -- from the NCCA staff very cute. Albert 791-8539 Herchmer 791-8448 Special Thanks to Our Printer: Kitchener 791-8516 Sacred Heart 791-7290 Scott Collegiate 791-8415 St. Luke 791-7248 Wascana 791-8528

Organizations & Agencies AIDS Programs South 924-8420 Albert Library 777-6076 All Nations Hope 924-8424 44 Fairford St. W. Bylaw Enforcement 777-7000 Chili for Children 359-7919 Moose Jaw, Sask. Circle Project 347-7515 Circle Project Childrens’ Centre 569-3988 S6H 1V1 NCCA 791-9888 NCCA nurse 757-1046 Main Office: (306) 692-6441 Albert-Scott Community Centre 777-7033 Press Plant: (306) 694-8342 Mobile R Store 347-3224 Fire Safety 777-7830 Four Directions 766-7540 Gathering Place 522-7494 The North Central Community Con- Opinions expressed in The North Central IMCF 359-1096 nection is the official bi-monthly publica- Community Connection do not represent Police 777-6450 tion of the North Central Community the NCCA. Rainbow Youth Centre 757-9743 Association (NCCA). R.A.M.P 352-5424 We welcome all letters and submissions. Regina Police Substandard Editor/Design/Layout The editor reserves the right to accept or Housing Enforcement Team 777-6399 Dauna Ditson reject and edit all submissions. Rental Housing Supplement Program 787-4723 North Central Family Centre 347-2552 Contributors to this issue North Central Community Connection Public Health Inspector 766-7755 Street Invaders 1264 Athol Street Rentalsman 787-2699 Brenda Mercer Regina SK S4T 7V3 SaskPower (electrical & natural Lisa Workman Phone: 791-9888 gas related inspections) 566-2500 Terrance Chinn Fax: 757-1052 SCAN complaint line 1-866-51-SAFER E-Mail: [email protected] Kids help phone 1-800-668 6868 The North Central Community Connec- Food Bank 791-6533 tion is distributed to over 4,000 house- The NCCA is an elected group of volun- Welfare Rights Centre 757-3521 holds in the North Central area. Copies teers whose goal is to improve the neigh- are also available at the North Central bourhood in North Central Regina. The Did we miss your number? Community Centre and various North Board meets regularly in the Albert-Scott Want the number of your agency in this space? Central businesses. Community Centre. Contact us and we can add it: 791-9888 NCCA Community Connection - October 2008 On the lookout for tools Care & T2, our trades training program, is looking for donations of new or used tools. We would really like: Share - 8” post hole auger - portable 10” 15 amp motor table saw Seniors are invited for - electric jack hammer delicious healthy lunch- - automatic leveling lazer that beeps es at the Albert-Scott SAT08CC - compressor with single multi-purpose room on nailer, finish nailer, broad nailer, flooring Tuesdays. nailer and a spiker - 10” miter saw Join us September 30, 2008 11:30am to 4:30 pm for cake & - small pry pars (cat’s Meals cost $4.00 and refreshments to help us celebrate our 1st Anniversary! claws) you’re welcome to stay RECEIVE ONE FREE LOAF OF BREAD! - saws of all sizes and blades for Bingo afterwards. (With a minimum $5 purchase) - screwdrivers with bits The R-HEALTHY FOOD STORE and accessories located in the Albert Scott Community Centre Have questions? Feel 1264 Athol Street (2nd floor) T2 Trades Training free to call Crystal at the 2910 5th Ave., Regina,Sask. North Central Commu- S4T 0L3 nity Association at 791- Phone: (306)791-9530 E-mail: [email protected] 9888. get more Calling All Youth!!! attention!

Advertise with us. DO YOU : Call 791-9888 for prices and promotions. • Have a desire to work in the housing construction Community Clean-Up • Need the training • Have certificates North Central Community Association • Have the willingness to learn is hosting the annual community clean-up. • Practice safety first FREE LUNCH for all volunteers • Want to learn new skills • Want to have fun Date: Saturday, October 4, 2008. Ladies do you know there are PINK Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Steel Toed Boots!!!!!!!!!! Location: Albert Scott Community Centre 1264 Athol Street

We would like you to: - Place all unwanted items beside bins. - Place all loose items in garbage bags. TRADES TRAINING PROGRAM - Please do so by the night before or the morning What: Trades Training ….your hours Contact: Wanda Clare of the clean-up day. could count towards apprenticeship. 2910 5th Ave. (306)791-9530 Volunteers and Trucks Needed! Who: youth 16-30 years ….Female [email protected] and male Call Now! Limited Space! For more information, please contact the Let us help you start your career!! NCCA at 791-9888. When: Now... continuous intake