May 2006.Indd

MAY 2006

your free COMMUNITY newspaper

ALBERTA AVENUE DELTON EASTWOOD ELMWOOD PARK REE S PARKDALE EKK PPR SPRUCE AVENUE CCRREEE WESTWOOD RSRSAATT S BUILDING COMMUNITY . ENCOURAGING COMMUNICATION . IN CREASING CAPACITY

CIRCULATION 8,500 PH: 479-6285 EMAIL: [email protected] We need your help pickin’ up the neighbourhood

BEAUTIFICATION AND BIG BIN EVENT CLEANLINESS WORKING GROUP (LARGE ITEM PICK UP) May 13 & 14 Spring brings green grass and 9:00 am–5:00 pm May flowers but it also uncovers months of garbage. On a windy Bring your debris and day you’ll see more garbage fly- unwanted large items to the ing in the air than birds. The Alberta Ave Community Alberta Avenue hall is growing League parking lot at 93 St patches of cigarette butts instead and 118 Ave for free disposal. of grass. Some apartment buildings on 82 Street have more Sponsored by the Capital City garbage outside the dumpsters Clean Up and the Avenue than inside. Walk down your Initiative Beautification & street and alley and you are sure Cleanliness Working Group. to find many private and common areas in need of a spring cleaning. LARGE ITEM PICK UP Well, we’ve made spring Need help getting your cleaning easier for you this year! garbage to the bin site? Set aside May 13 & 14 to haul If you have no way of bringing your large items or garbage to your large items to the bin site, dumpsters in the Alberta Avenue call and we will do our

hall parking lot – dump for free! Amanda Lewis best to arrange for pick up of If we really want to see a cleaner DOESN’T FIT IN THE GARBAGE CAN? BRING IT TO THE BIG BIN EVENT. your items. Also please report neighbourhood, we need to look large items dumped on empty beyond our own fence. So pick lots or left at vacant properties. up in and around your yard, VOLUNTEERS NEEDED EVERYONE WELCOME then ask your neighbours if they Help give our community a spring cleaning Volunteer Pancake Breakfast May 13, 8:30- Please note pick up service is need help. Many people do not Do you have a truck or trailer? Help pick up 9:30 am at Eastwood Hall (86 St & 118 ave), dependent on having volunteer have access to a truck, so getting large items. Do you like to paint? Join the graf- Tim Horton’s coffee & donuts, d oor prizes truck drivers. If at all possible, rid of large items can be diffi- fiti removal team. Help also needed with the and lots of fun! Truck owners will be compen- please arrange to get your cult. If you have a truck or trail- pancake breakfast and cleaning up blocks adja- sated for gas. items to the bin site yourself. er, call Judy at 496-1913 and cent to 118 Ave. Contact Judy 496-1913 or judy.allan@edmonton.ca Call 496-1901 or 479-6285. offer a few hours of your time to help with pick up service. Take pride in your neighbourhood and join in on Pickin’ up the Neighbourhood! Who you gonna call? We all need to do our part. 2ND ANNUAL SPRING onlineEXTRA STREET SWEEP May 16 east of 90 St May 17 west of 90 St Join local businesses in cleaning up 118 Avenue. Garbage will be picked up, sidewalks swept and a power washer will be available for businesses to wash their storefronts. Flower barrels will be put out at the end of May. Kick-off on May 6, 8:00 am at Coliseum Steak & Pizza parking lot (84 St) with the mayor and other VIPs.

CONTENTS

Editorial ...... 2 Community News ...... 3 Local Business ...... 4 Education and Learning ....6, 7 Resident Proﬁle ...... 8 Law And Order ...... 9 Community News ...... 10 Sports And Recreation ...... 11 Community Notices ...... 12 RAT CREEK PRESS EDITORIAL MAY 2006 • VOLUME 8, ISSUE 4

PHONE 780.479.6285 I’m not stupid, but . . . EMAIL [email protected] WEB www.ratcreek.org DAWN FREEMAN support a family on that kind (for close to minimum wage) in I say, DON’T! Stick with it of money? Would I like to go a store at the mall and ironically and get that piece of paper. It MANAGING EDITOR Karen Mykietka I have a secret. I am some- to university and get a degree, became the editor of this fine is so much easier to do it at 17 EDITOR Dawn Freeman what ashamed of it, and I have a Masters, a Ph.D.? How do paper. It was the motivation than it is at 20, or 25, or 35. GRAPHIC DESIGN Leanne McBean spent years either being angry I get a job that has potential, that stopped me finishing high I’m not stupid, but it sure ADVERTISING SALES Joy Dyck at myself or my parents about that I can use my brain in? school, not the lack of ability. was dumb not to finish school. DISTRIBUTION Coordinator Needed it. It hasn’t exactly stopped When I started finding So here I am now, I’m 35 ACCOUNTING Arthur Dyck me from doing a lot of things, answers to some of my ques- and it does matter. Eventually *Different college and university but it sure is stopping me tions I was in for a shock. Sure it does matter. It may not courses have their own specific BOARD MEMBERS now. Luckily I still CAN do I can get a job, but a lot of the stop you from pursuing your requirements. Kathleen Quinn, PAAFE something about it. What’s my jobs I wanted, the ones with dreams, but it COULD. It Peter Rausch, AABA secret? I didn’t graduate high potential, wanted a high school may not stop you from getting Editorial Note: Dawn definitely Jill Oliver, Alberta Avenue school. diploma. Sure I could go to col- that great job, but it COULD. isn’t stupid! She is well-spoken and Margaret Guthrie, Norwood When I was 17, it didn’t well-read and an articulate writer. Verna Stainthorp, Spruce Avenue matter at all. I got a job and I It took a lot of courage for her to Cheryl Walker, Parkdale wasn’t thinking about long-term “Career was a word other share this publicly, thanks Dawn! Cath Jackel, Alberta Avenue plans. Career was a word other people used, and university was I hope it encourages some of you. I More board members welcome. people used, and university was am the opposite of Dawn. I gradu- an unaffordable dream. When an unaffordable dream.” ated high school at the top of my RAT CREEK PRESS ASSOCIATION I was 25, it still didn’t matter. I class and went on the university Box 39024 RPO Norwood worked in bars and I played in lege as a mature student, but It may not stop you from ful- where I put in seven years get- Edmonton, Alberta T5B 4T8 a band. I only had me to look I still needed either a 65% in filling your potential, but it ting a Bachelor degree and then Phone 780.479.6285 out for, and as long as I made English 30 or equivalent. And COULD. At the very least it a Master’s, picking up numerous Email: [email protected] enough to pay the rent and buy as for university? Well, only creates one more roadblock scholarships along the way. Am I Web: ratcreek.org a beer, I was content. When some undergraduate programs that has to be overcome. smarter than Dawn? Am I more it became important, I saved accept mature or non-matricu- I’m studying right now to educated? Depends how you look at OUR MISSION enough to fly away from my lated students and even then take my GED (general equiva- it, but probably not on both counts! The mission of the Rat Creek Press New Zealand home to Canada. you still need a 70% in English lency diploma) exams so I For instance, out of a list of a 100 Association is to highlight community Things started to change 30 or equivalent and sometimes don’t have such a disadvantage classic books, Dawn has read 30 of news, activities, and recreational when I settled here. I got a in another subject as well.* anymore. If you’re like me, them; I have read 4! How educated opportunities as well as local residents job, no big deal, but I started It was about then I had my an adult with no high school you are often has little to do with and businesses to support the growth to think about the big ques- first child, then my second, so I diploma, I say join me! And if how many years you sit in school, of a strong, vibrant, well-connected tions like: Do I want to work put those thoughts on the back you are a teenager stuck in your but schooling is important to get community. in a bar or retail now that I burner. I stayed at home to raise last years of school and feel- ahead in our society. So make the am nearly 30? How would I the kids, took part-time work ing like you just want to quit, most of it. - Karen LETTERS Letters Welcome VILLAGE FOODS We invite you to write letters Common Courtesy Open 7 days a week. Mon-Sat: 8am - 11pm Sun: 9am - 10pm to the editor. A maximum of movie rentals - 99 cents & up 350 words is preferred. You The Rat Creek Press is your administrative time for our prepaid calling cards must include your full name, community newspaper. Last volunteers. We are moving magazines phone number and address month, a resident in the distribution to Canada Post, slurpee machine (or neighbourhood). All letters Parkdale Community accosted and Canada Post is not able to water cooler bottles are subject to editing. Send one of our volunteer carriers. honour a no distribution list. ATM & more! your letters or comments to The resident was apparently So, we have decided upset that she continued to on the following scheme. If 8411 - 118 Avenue [email protected]. 477-8586 have the Rat Creek Press deliv- you don’t like the Rat Creek ered to her door. She took her Press, you have two options. irritation our on our volunteer 1. You can exercise by shouting at her. your democratic right to Not everyone likes the throw the paper out. �� Rat Creek Press. Not everyone 2.You can write us a let- appreciates having it in their ter, telling us what you think mailbox. The Rat Creek Press we can do better. We are �� believes that opinions should your community newspaper, be expressed; we are after and we want to be respon- all, a community newspaper. sive to the community. �� Expressing opinions is what Let’s be clear here. We �� we do best. We need to be all live in this community. �� clear; screaming at one of our Shouting at a volunteer is �� volunteers is not acceptable. never acceptable behaviour. �� The Society has spent Let’s use some common �� some time discussing what courtesy. The people who �� we could do to have a no dis- write, deliver, and publish the tribution list. Our problem paper are your neighbours. �� is this: We are a volunteer �� organization, and a no distri- Cheryl Walker �� bution list causes significant Chair, Rat Creek Press Association ��

�� M-F 9a.m.-6p.m. | Sat/Sun 10a.m.-2p.m. ¢ �� 59 �� Check out online EXTRA at www.ratcreek.org for more articles! • Trouble-shooting Guide • Single Sex Education • School Overview

2 RAT CREEK PRESS MAY 2006 COMMUNITY NEWS In the life of a journalist TRACEY COMEAU end of the second year, about would let me share my raw half my class quit the program. creativity with the world, The first time I ever consid- “I don’t know if I really but I wasn’t prepared for the ered a career in writing was in knew what journalism was,” technicalities of the writing my final year of high school. says Debbie Friesen, who is and the difficulty of getting I didn’t know what to take in currently enjoying the program interviews. However, I soon college, so I took the matter at Grant MacEwan before grew to enjoy these challenges up with my school counselor. starting her internship at the and fell in love with the fast-

We talked for what seemed like Edmonton Sun. “I thought paced world of journalism. Comeau Tracey ages, and I left her office deter- journalism was giving your As I approach graduation, “TELL ME MORE ABOUT...” TRACEY GETS THE SCOOP mined to become a chef. opinion on things, and when I I still love the thrill of the chase Eventually, I realized I got in I realized it didn’t mat- in getting interviews and being “There is never a boring in Alberta offering Journalism liked eating a whole lot more ter what your opinion was.” a storyteller to the public. moment,” Zypchyn says. “No diplomas: SAIT’s 2-year pro- than I liked cooking. I revisited Karyn Zypchyn, a Shelly Decker, a freelancer story is the same, and you meet gram averages $4,800 per year the counselor, and we took Journalism instructor at Grant for the Edmonton Sun, says the most interesting, bizarre, and Grant MacEwan’s 2-year another look at my options. MacEwan, says she thinks many she fell in love with the job scary, fantastic people. No other program averages $4,600 per “I like math, English, students entering the program because of its excitement. job would allow you to do year. Universities in B.C. and lunch and phys-ed,” I told her. had misconceptions of the job. “I dreaded sitting in an that.” Ontario also offer Journalism “But I love only English.” “In the media right now, office from 9-5…another day, As my last year in the degrees. I told her I loved read- there’s this notion that journal- another routine, another monot- program comes to an end, I Be prepared for hard ing the newspaper, and she ists themselves are stars….” onous job. Journalism is an inter- am preparing for my intern- work, long days and large sensed we were on to some- Zypchyn says. “I don’t think esting job. It’s not dull,” she says. ship at the Rat Creek Press. phone bills. But if you’re thing. After more digging people appreciate the true dif- Excited at being accepted as anything like me, you’ll be we struck gold: Journalism. ficult work, the true persever- A Worthy Journalist an intern, I plan on spend- in for the time of your life. I started at Grant MacEwan ance, and the intellectual rigor Journalism has taught me more ing my internship proving College in the fall of 2004. it takes to try to get at the than I ever expected. It has myself a worthy journalist. Tracey is a second year Journalism truth. There’s a clash between improved my writing, forced me For anyone considering student at Grant MacEwan Glamorous and Easy what they thought it was and to see the world with a critical Journalism as a full-time career, College. She will be interning at I had always figured journalism what it really is,” Zypchyn adds. yet unbiased eye, and increased Decker recommends some sort the Rat Creek Press during May was glamorous and easy, but I my people skills. At the very of schooling. Calgary’s and June of 2006, and looks for- was wrong. Evidently, so were Thrill of the Chase least, it has been an interesting SAIT and Edmonton’s Grant ward to developing her skills as a many of my classmates. By the I thought the program and entertaining adventure. MacEwan are the only schools reporter.

Spruce Avenue Neighborhood Preliminary design revealed Watch Campaign for new Eastwood Health Centre

ANGIE KLEIN report includes Kingsway mall, our gratitude to local residents ROBIN GALENZA tainable are healthy for both and therefore is not an accu- for being vigilant in the protec- people and the planet,” Vivian David Despins, the co-ordinator rate report per-capita, but it tion of one another’s homes On Tuesday April 4, 2006 Manasc said during her pre- of Spruce Ave Neighborhood does raise some questions as to and property. Many watchful at Santa Maria Goretti sentation to the estimated fifty Watch, will be running a door- whether there is something that eyes make our community a Community Centre, Capital people who attended Tuesday’s to-door campaign in the com- we could be doing to make our friendlier, safer place to live. Health along with Manasc meeting. “We all have a seri- ing months to help identify community less attractive to This issue will be the focus Isaac Architects revealed the ous stake in our community.” “hot spots” in the neighbour- criminals. of Spruce Avenue’s next com- preliminary design for the new Most of the community hood. These are the areas within The block captains canvass- munity league meeting on May Eastwood Health Centre on members who attended the our community with the high- ing will be easily identifiable 08 at 7:00 p.m. All community 11240-79 Street. The prelimi- meeting were happy to see that est incidences of crime. At the with badges. These volunteers, members are invited to attend. nary design only showed the the Cromdale school is being last Spruce Avenue community along with David Despins, will More information about the basic outline of the building, integrated into the design. league meeting the crime statis- be trying to recruit for, and campaign can be found on-line and the facilities inside; not “We are heading in tics for our area were discussed raise awareness of the neigh- at www.watch.edmonton.ab.ca. the physical look of the build- the direction of poten- and there is a notable spike in borhood watch program. We This is our community… ing. tially using the school in property crime. The statistics would also like to acknowledge let’s make it the best it can be. “Buildings that are sus- the design,” Manasc said.

AVENUE INITIATIVE REVITALIZATION STRATEGY UPDATE WORKING GROUPS SPRING CAN REVEAL PROBLEMS All meetings are held at the Alberta Avenue Business Association Watch for increased bylaw enforcement in our area in May (11770 95 St). Please contact Judy Allan before attending for the first time. The Development Compliance Branch of the City of Edmonton’s Planning and Development Department reminds 1. Streetscape meets 1st Monday (May 1), 6:30 pm Edmontonians that the spring thaw can reveal a lot of materials stored on private property that need to be Putting together the “pattern book” for the Avenue Streetscape. removed, stored or stacked neatly.

2. Development and Revitalization meet 1st Wednesday (May 3), 7pm Each year the City registers complaints concerning furniture, appliances, garbage bags, tree clippings, renova- How the City Planning Department works and what kind of zoning is possible. tion material, loose litter and other nuisance conditions.

3. Beautifications and Cleanliness meets 2nd Wednesday (May 10), 7pm The Nuisance Bylaw #10406 defines a nuisance as any property condition that is untidy, unsightly, offensive, Ways to help clean up the area. dangerous or that interferes with the use or enjoyment of other property. It includes, but is not limited to, conditions such as abandoned or dismantled vehicles, garbage, auto parts, construction material etc. 4. Programs and Services meets 2nd Wednesday (May 10), 7pm Ways to increase people’s access to information on existing programs The bylaw reflects community standards to maintain property within the city in a pleasant, tidy and safe condi- and services and to implement community-based events. tion. If your property is in a nuisance condition you will be issued a warning notice requesting your voluntary compliance. If homeowners ignore that notice a formal order or direction will be issued. Failure to comply with 5. Safe Streets meets 3rd Tuesday (May 16), 7 pm an order or direction may result in penalty fines in the amount of $250 and the removal of the nuisance condition Increasing community safety. at the property owner’s expense. A second offence could result in a $500 fine. OPEN HOUSE June 6, 7-9pm at Eastwood Hall: Mark this on your If you’d like more information, check the department’s web site at www.edmonton.ca/planning_dev. You can also calendar and plan to come hear what’s happening and give your input learn more by calling customer service at 496-3100, or visiting the 5th floor of the AT&T Tower at 10250 101 St. Judy Allan, Avenue Initiative Coordinator [email protected] or 496-1913 DON’T FORGET TO VOLUNTEER MAY 13 FOR THE PICK’N UP THE NEIGHBOURHOOD EVENT.

RAT CREEK PRESS MAY 2006 3 LOCAL BUSINESS

Sally Ann store closed tion in the 118 Ave area. They Daycare for your furry four-legged children do hope to open a thrift store in the Northwest but don’t BUSINESS BRIEFS After 11 years serving our know exactly when or where. KAREN MYKIETKA community, the Salvation For second-hand bargains try Army Thrift Store on Princess one of the other local second Dogspaw Daycare & Elizabeth Ave has closed. Their hand shops - Bissell or Value lease expired in March and Village – or the other Sally Ann Training Center they were not able to negotiate locations : (12928 50 St; 5804 12209 Fort Rd 471-BARK a new lease term. A Salvation Terrace Rd; 9503 49 St). Call www.dogspaw.ca Army spokesperson said there 437-6861 to have your dona- was not another suitable locations picked up. Daycare, classes, behaviour modification – these words bring children to mind for Out of the Fire Studio many of us, but for Dogspaw it 12205 Fort Rd 378-0240 means man’s best friend – the www.outofthefirestudio.com dog. Nicole Johnston opened www.howtomakepottery.com shop in our community in December 2005 so she could Staff Beautiful handcrafted pottery and expand her home-based dog WHO LET THE DOGS IN? various other interior accents are training business to include a now available to the public from doggy daycare. Dog owners can the group a day. Cost of dogsit- 12 to 6 pm, Dogspaw is hav- this studio on Fort Road. For a drop their doggie children at ting ranges from $15-18/day. ing an open house. Agility number of years, Cindy Clarke and daycare between 7am and 5pm The other part of the busi- demonstrations will be done Jim Willett have only been selling Mon to Fri and have one less ness is dog training classes. throughout the afternoon their creations wholesale. Now anything to worry about when they Dogspaw offers courses in Basic and Second Chance Dog one can stop in Mon to Thu 9-6 Staff are at work. Manners, Puppy Socialization Shelter will be there with pm, Fri 9-4:30 or Sat 1-5 pm. BEAUTIFUL POTTERY Dogs play in the training and Agility. In Agility classes, a dog needing a home. In addition to a wide array area where a fence separates dogs learn how to do obstacles, of pottery, Clarke has candles, the small and large dogs; the tunnels and jumps. This type The Local Business section is spon- masks and other works on consign- two groups take turns access- of class isn’t only for those dogs sored by the Alberta Avenue Business ment from other local artisans. ing the outdoor dog run. “In and owners who do competi- Association - the organization repre- As well she is importing jewelry, the afternoon, the dogs have a tions. “Some people do them senting businesses in the 118 Avenue bath wraps and sandals from Sri one-hour nap time,” explains to bond with their dog, others business revitalization zone (BRZ). Lankan widows; bags, scarfs and Johnston, “otherwise they because their dog is under- Check out the local business directory more jewelry from India and pos- start acting up and fighting online at www.alberta-avenue.com confident,” says Johnston. All or stop by the business office to pick sibly other items from Milan. with each other.” Right now the trainers have professional up a copy. The new retail business is hav- Johnston dogsits an average memberships. Classes are 6 to ing a grand opening on Saturday, of 12 dogs a day but still has 8 weeks and cost between $100 Peter Rausch, Executive Director May 6 from 12 to 6 pm with room for more. She assesses and $130. They also offer one- Alberta Avenue Business Association 10% of the proceeds going to dogs for their dog friendliness on-one behavior modification 11770 95 St Ph 471-2602 the Win House women’s shelter. before accepting them and will classes for dog and owners. Fax 477-1378 Pottery wheel demonstrations Staff Email [email protected] MASKS AND MORE only introduce one new dog to On Saturday, May 6 from will be done at 12, 2 and 4 pm. Get the kinks out A massage school and clinic in the ‘hood’ BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT CHRISTINA VERNON encouraged through the use techniques that involve light of eastern movement practices touch such as lymphatic drain- The Somatics Institute School such as tai chi, chi gong, and age. The emphasis is on learn- of Massage, located in the yoga, as well as the western ing to meet the client where north wing of St. Basil’s practices of Hanna SomaticsTM he or she is at; discovering Catholic School, is a school and Sensory AwarenessTM. The what is needed for engagement with a difference. Their pro- school also uses integrative on a client by client basis. gram brings together holistic arts such as clay and draw- “I feel like I have learned principles with traditional mas- ing to explore the functional a lot about myself,” says Gian sage techniques in an effort to organization of the body. Gibson, a second year stu- give their graduates the capacity Students are provided with dent at the Institute. “I have to blend complementary and a strong background in ortho- learned that I am important alternative healthcare principles paedic assessment and treat- which is significant because with mainstream medical sci- ment for specific conditions. how I treat myself is reflected ence. Additionally they are intro- in how I treat others. This The school’s Program duced to and encouraged to use is a valuable foundation for Director is Matthew van der my work as a therapist and Giessen, a long-time and I look forward to life-long respected massage therapist building on these learning’s.” in the city. Matthew has A few of the other mod- been teaching for many years, ules of study include anatomy, including offering training physiology, sports massage, in anatomy to yoga instruc- pharmacology, pregnancy mas- tors. His unique approach is sage and business. Teaching the use of MannekinsTM onto clinics at the school and which muscles are built. This practicums in the commu- “hands on” process of learn- nity help students practice ing has proven to be an effec- their developing skills in a tive teaching model – moving variety of settings. This year muscles into the three dimen- the program at the Royal sional plane where massage Alexandra Hospital has been Somatics Institute therapists experience them. MARYKA GIVIES A CHAIR MASSAGE TO A STAFF PERSON AT THE ROYAL ALEX HOSPITAL. EVERY in full swing with students THURSDAY STUDENTS HEAD TO THE HOSPITAL FOR THEIR PRACTICUM TIME, USUALLY WITH The school’s two-year dedicating one afternoon PATIENTS; HOWEVER, IN THIS INSTANCE, THEY PARTICIPATED IN A STAFF WELLNESS DAY. full-time program offers the a week to providing much opportunity for self-explora- appreciated massages to hos- If you are interested in Christina Vernon is a tion and in doing so teaches pital patients. As well, NAIT participating in the school’s graduate of the Somatics principles that graduates can athletes benefited from sports on-site clinic, call the school Institute and has her own apply later in their work with Somatics Somatics Institute massages during the teaching at 438-3757. Massages are mobile massage business. She clients. Body awareness is TEACHING MANNEKINS™ of that particular module. one-hour long and cost $25. can be reached at 907-8262.

4 RAT CREEK PRESS MAY 2006 ADVERTORIAL Which of These Costly Home-seller Mistakes Will You Make When You Sell Your Home? EDMONTON - A new report has what they want for their home System to Get Your Home Sold just been released which reveals and become disillusioned and - Fast and For Top Dollar”. 7 costly mistakes that most worse - financially disadvantaged To hear a brief recorded mes- homeowners make when selling when they put their home on the sage about how to order your free Bjorn & Brenda their home, and a 9 Step System market. copy of this report, call 1-866- Café 10406-118 Ave Ph: 424-6823 that can help you sell your home As this report uncovers, 815-9646 and enter ID#4900. Deli 9567-118 Ave absolutelyedibles.com fast and for the most amount of most homesellers make 7 deadly You can call anytime, 24 hours a money. mistakes that cost them literally day, 7 days a week. This industry report shows thousands of dollars. The good Call NOW to find out how clearly how the traditional ways news is that each and every one you can get the most money for Questions,฀Concerns,฀Issues? of selling homes have become of these mistakes is entirely pre- your home. increasingly less and less effec- ventable. This report courtesy of Donna Brian wants to hear them! tive in today’s market. The fact In answer to this issue, indus- Straus, Realty Executive Challenge. of the matter is that fully three try insiders have prepared a free Not intended to solicit properties Edmonton Highlands-Norwood quarters of homesellers don’t get special report entitled “The 9 Step already listed for sale.

Come chat with your MLA about health care, about the provincial government, and about what we can do to improve our community!

Town Hall Meeting Tuesday May 2 at 7pm Prayerworks Hall 11725-93 Street Beside St. Faithʼs Anglican Church

Call Brian’s ofﬁce at 414-0682 for more info.

Edmonton Highlands-Norwood Constituency Ofﬁce #100,฀8930฀Jasper฀Avenue฀฀ ฀ ฀ ฀฀฀฀Phone:฀414-0682 Edmonton,฀Alberta฀T5H฀1E9฀ ฀ ฀ ฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀Fax:฀414-0684 e-mail:฀[email protected] www.brianmason.ab.ca

RAT CREEK PRESS MAY 2006 5 EDUCATION & LEARNING Our Neighbourhood Schools No boys allowed They have a lot to offer All-girls Jr. High attracts 50 students in first year

KAREN MYKIETKA between 2:52 and 3:40), rela- MONIQUE NUTTER tional needs (if one class or Over 1800 students attend our teacher isn’t a good fit for your The Jean Forest Leadership eight area schools – 5 public child, check out a different one). Academy all-girls junior high and 3 Catholic. Many of these Our area schools have been program opened its doors students live outside the area but running full-day kindergartens this year at St. Basil School come in for special education (K) for a number of years. The in Spruce Avenue. Fifty girls programs, the Polish-bilingual St. Alphonsus kindergarten is enrolled in the program, which program or Girl’s Academy at St. technically a half day, but they only included grade 7 this year, Basil, or the year-round school- offer an extended program which but will be expanded next year ing at Eastwood and Parkdale. the majority of children attend. to include grade 8 and the fol- Unfortunately, many of Even though the Alberta govern- lowing year grade 9. the locals are choosing to go to ment has decided not to fund “Our mission at the Jean school elsewhere. Programs of full-day K, “Edmonton Public Forest Leadership Academy is choice like immersion, logos, is committed to the full-day to provide the finest Christ- arts core and IB lure a number K already in place in 18 of its centered learning environment of students outside the area. But schools. They will find the funds which inspires young women please don’t write-off our local within the district budget,” says to develop in spirit, leadership, intellect, self discovery and Staff schools which checking them Heather Raymond, principal of SHAWNEE, ELANOR AND KRISTIN IN UNIFORM POSING WITH THE service,” reads the background out. I have been in every one Norwood School. The Catholic SCHOOL NAMESAKE of them and find them cozy board will try to do the same. information provided by Jacquie and welcoming. The schools Judi Strang, kindergarten Dahlen, assistant principal in community feeling for girls.” with warmth and pride about are small, varying between 114 teacher at Norwood school, charge of the Academy. Jacquie Jacquie, hired six months their expansion this year to and 200 students in K-6; there- says, “Full-day kindergarten is speaks of the ages of 12 to 15 before the program began, include the all-girls program. fore, class size is also small. helpful for many children, but being a critical time in devel- did research and site visits to He recounts his first experience We have great teach- it’s not for everyone.” If you oping one’s identity, a time all-girls schools in Vancouver, teaching in an all-girls school as ers. Paul Gish, principal of only want to send your child in which patterns established Victoria, and Calgary as well as a substitute back east. “Never Eastwood, says, “I have one of half-days, then discuss that are carried on to adulthood. the Nellie McClung programs again, was what I thought at the the most talented staffs I have option with your school or But why an all-girls set- in Edmonton Public. The pro- time,” he chuckles, “but now ever worked with.” Plus, most look into neighbouring Virgina ting? Jacquie says the program gram she developed includes with more experience under schools have additional staff Park or Victoria schools. was developed in response to a strong math/science focus, my belt, I find it delightful from teacher-librarians to music We have two Headstart repeated requests of parents leadership activities including to teach girls at an age where specialists to family therapists. programs in local schools as to Edmonton Catholic. She a service component, and an they are interested in exploring The great thing about our well as one at Norwood Family also says the Academy is “an extensive list of options rang- meaning and spiritual life.” neighbourhood is we have a Centre and Atonement Home. academic setting for girls ing from the more traditional It might not be for every number of schools relatively They are all for low-income where they can participate foods and fashions, art and girl, but it’s great to have an close by to choose from depend- families except Norwood Centre fully, without any distractions.” drama to forensics, robot- all-girls program like the Jean ing on our needs: travel needs which is based on their geo- Her experiences at Jean Forest ics, and small engine repair. Forest Academy among our (walking distance, yellow school graphic boundaries. Delton, show her that “when no boys Sandy Gillis, the princi- range of educational options. bus or transit), care needs (many Norwood and Spruce Ave run Jr. are in the mix, there is a real pal of St Basil’s, also speaks onlineEXTRA schools have onsite daycare Kindergarten programs open to and/or after-school care), time everyone but they are dependent schedules (start times between on securing continued funding. 8:30 and 9:00 and end times onlineEXTRA Trade Winds To Success Project WANTED!! Aboriginal Pre-Trades Trainees MARY COLLINS To Success Training Society penter, ironworker, plumber, has been funded to provide steam/pipefitter and welder. The newly formed Trade employment programming to Other components of the 20 Winds to Success Training meet skills gap shortages bene- week course include a week Society has been funded fiting the Union Training Trust of life skills, four weeks of by Human Resources and Fund(s) and Aboriginal people academic upgrading to write Skills Development Canada, in Edmonton and Calgary. the trades entrance exam level The City Centre Education and their success. Alberta Human Resources The project will provide train- 4 and eight to ten weeks of Project involves seven • The Family Centre and Employment, the Union ing and skills development for union shop and hand skills public schools (Eastwood, • Big Brothers Big Sisters Training Trust Fund(s) groups, Aboriginal people to work in training. Work clothing and Delton, John A. McDougall, • The United Way and three AHRDA hold- the trades. safety equipment are provided McCauley, Norwood, Parkdale • Alberta Children’s Services ers: Oteenow Employment The project provides along with all appropriate and Spruce Avenue) serving • Edmonton Police Service and Training Society, Metis Aboriginal people with pre- safety tickets for each trade. the communities of Prince • YMCA Nation of Alberta, and Treaty apprenticeship training to Participants completing the Rupert, Queen Mary Park, • Aboriginal Youth Seven Economic Development make an informed career program will be hired as Delton, Eastwood, Elmwood and Family Well Being Corporation. Trade Winds choice for boilermaker, car- permits with the union. Park, Parkdale, Norwood, and Education Society The program expects 200+ Spruce Avenue, Westwood, We work closely with graduates over the three year Central McDougall, Boyle many other organizations period to fill the union’s labour Street and McCauley. This in the community. market shortage. Participants year we have embraced Abbott Watch for a brochure must be at least 18 years School as well. in your mailbox outlining old, Metis, Inuit, Status or The objective of the some of the highlights of non-status, be unemployed, coalition is to provide the very programming at your local under employed or employ- best educational opportunities school. Please call your local ment threatened and MUST possible for our children so school to get involved. live in the metropolitan areas that each one of them can Upcoming events: of Edmonton or Calgary. complete high school. We • CCEP Art Sale Funding is available through know that raising a child and Exhibit Oteenow Employment Centre, is not just the business of April 28 and 29, Metis Employment Services schools but requires home Nina Haggerty Centre or Aboriginal Futures. Bi- and school to be working • City Centre Education weekly information ses- together as well as the greater Joint Parent Council sions are held; to find out community supporting Resource Fair more information contact children and their families. May 4, 4:30 to 7:30 the Project Coordinators in Edmonton (780) 471-9100

We have many Spruce Avenue School Success To Winds Trade partners working in our • Alex Decoteau Run SCOTT L’HIRONDELLE, A CURRENT STUDENT OF THE UNION SHOP and Calgary (403)205-3500. schools to support children May 12 Rundle Park TRAINING PROGRAM

6 RAT CREEK PRESS MAY 2006 EDUCATION & LEARNING Developing innovative spirit-filled leaders Vanguard College dedicated to being active in the community

KRISTI ETCHEVERRY Around include two in whatever ways are needed. 175 full time and three year Among other things, students If you take a walk in the com- students from Theological have washed windows, raked munity of Westwood you are over twelve dif- Studies leaves and cleaned apartments. bound to come across a tower- ferent church Diplomas and All students are required to ing red brick building. Many backgrounds a Teaching do 6-10 practicum hours per of you may know it as H.A. attend the col- English to week as part of their education Gray School or possibly as the lege. There are Speakers at Vanguard. Many choose to Westwood Campus of NAIT. also numer- of Other work with churches and orga- However, it is no longer either ous part time Languages nizations in Westwood and the of those. In July 2004, the students and (TESOL) surrounding neighborhoods. building, located at 103 Street students that certificate. In addition, each September and 121 Avenue, was pur- take courses Programs are the Westwood Community chased by Vanguard College. through flexible and (and anyone else who wishes to Previously known as Vanguard’s can be com- join!) is invited to Vanguard for Northwest Bible College, distance educa- bined to best a free Family Fun Day. With Vanguard College is affili- tion program, suit the needs games, live music, a petting

ated with the Pentecostal IBOLT. The Kristi Etcheverry of the student. zoo, food, crafts, and all sorts of Assemblies of Canada and mission of STUDENTS ATTENDING THE VANGUARD COLLEGE IN WESTWOOD Vanguard family orientated events, Family accredited by the Association Vanguard College is Fun Day is a highlight of the for Biblical Higher Education College can be summed up of programs in five main located right in the middle of year for all who are involved! (ABHE). Over the past two in four words - Developing areas: Pastoral Studies, Youth the Westwood Community and If you would like years the College has put Innovative Spirit-Filled Ministries, Music, Children is dedicated to being an active more information regard- over $2.6 million dollars into Leaders. Every student and Family Studies, and part of the community. At the ing Vanguard College you renovating and restoring the knows this phrase, and Intercultural Studies (Missions). beginning of each school year can visit their website www. building and this summer the school is dedicated Each program offers a one year there is a Service Outreach vanguardcollege.com or con- the last phase of renova- to making it a reality. certificate or a four year degree Day. All the students head out tact Tim the “Recruitment tions will be completed. Vanguard offers a variety program. Other programs into the community to serve Guy” at 452-0808. Teaching and learning the three R’s

JILL SCHEYK But Roulston isn’t the The Learning Centre has had only one who has a few years on Yolande Herman; she says The Learning Centre, located at the Centre under her belt. as much in an author’s note on in downtown Edmonton Yolande Herman has been the back of Then...and Now. (10116 105 Avenue), has been dropping in twice a week since “I always wanted to go to helping adults improve their 1995 to build up her reading school,” Herman wrote. “When

literary and mathematical skills and writing skills. She is the I was a kid I did well in school. Staff for 25 years, but while there’s author of one of The Learning Then we moved and I couldn’t GRADE 2 CLASS IN A COMMUNITY CIRCLE a lot of time spent teaching Centre’s in-house publica- go to school any more. Now I and learning the three R’s, the tions, a slim volume of journal can read some stories. I write Centre is also about building entries titled Then...and Now. every day. I feel better.” Tribes at Norwood School community. Mary Norton, a co-coor- Classes at The Learning “This is kind of my fam- dinator at the Centre, said that Centre run in six-week cycles, A new way of learning and being together ily, other than my religious having a published work in and always end with some sort of celebration. To finish MRS. GANGL AND THE GRADE 2 to share at that time. Those are the six-week cycle that ended FANTASTIC FROGS the Tribes agreements. in April, almost everyone sat Serena, grade 2 down at a large round table Tribes is not a curriculum, and decorated an Easter egg. program, or list of activities. Barnyard babble The students put the eggs It is a process, used to create a Barnyard Babble is something in a glass bowl that became positive environment for learn- we do sometimes to find our the centerpiece for Sister ing throughout a school com- group. First, a teacher gives Roulston’s send off party. munity. At Norwood School, you a card with a picture of an Roulston spent about two teachers have been working animal on it. You have to go or three days a week at the on creating a Tribes Learning around and make the sound of Centre during her years as a Community (TLC) within that animal to find your group. volunteer. She found that the our classrooms and within the Everyone who is making the knowledge students gained school. The grade two class same noise as you is in your under her tutelage inspired wrote about some of the strate- group. It is a fun way to get into her as much as it did them. gies we are using to implement a group.

Amanda Lewis “To see people managing Tribes. Several of these strategies Gabrielle, grade 2 BOOKS ARE THE WINDOW TO THE WORLD to think better of themselves are described below. and to be able to use the gifts Community circle family...this has become a real the Centre’s library builds the that they have...it’s been a Community agreements A community circle is used for community for me,” said Sister students’ confidence and gives great gift to me,” she said. These are the Tribes agreements getting to know other people Aline Roulston, a long-time them a voice. The shelves out- The students, the tutors we use in the school. The first and share ideas. First you sit in volunteer at the Centre. “I side Norton’s office hold doz- and the other volunteers agreement is “Appreciation.” a circle together. Then you take have many friends here, I’ve ens of works, from children’s come together to make The This means no put downs. turns to share ideas. Sometimes brought my own friends here stories to personal accounts. Learning Centre what it is: The next agreement is “Mutual the teacher gives us something to volunteer. It’s been some- “Many of us find our devoted to learning and dedi- Respect.” This means having to pass around and whoever thing extra-special,” she added. meaning through our work, cated to building community. respect for yourself, others, and is holding it gets to talk next. Roulston has volunteered whether that’s paid work things. Another agreement is When it is your turn you have for The Learning Centre for or raising families or vol- Jill Scheyk has just finished “Listening.” It is important to the right to pass but when 19 years and has served on unteer work, and so for her first year of journalism at Grant listen to people because it makes everyone is done talking you can the advisory board and board some people (the Centre) MacEwan College. She has written them feel included. The last have a turn if you want. In a of directors, as well as tutored is kind of where they find previously for the MacEwan Journalist. agreement is “Participation.” community circle, everyone gets countless adults in reading their meaning,” Norton Jill belongs to the Edmonton Outdoor With this you have the right to a chance to talk. That is how a and writing. She is retiring to said. “It’s what they do.” Club, and also enjoys reading pass. This helps you to feel com- community circle works. New Brunswick this year. It’s obvious what an impact and tinkering with Photoshop. fortable if you don’t have an idea Madison, grade 2

RAT CREEK PRESS MAY 2006 7 RESIDENT PROFILE Keeping it in the family The house that wouldn’t be sold

ROBIN GALENZA because he believed and still their soccer or played pick-up does that the centre should baseball or something there, The Northlands area has been be on 118 Ave and 82 St. so it’s kind of nice that they slowly dying out for a few “Initially I was against it have that left,” Sorensen said. years. The community around but to be honest with you my As for his own house, the 112 Ave and 79 St is no longer opinion is that if it’s going to only house left inhabited in filled with residents, just empty be there, ok, then let’s make the area called Northlands, houses. But now a new project, a good thing out of it.” Clay’s it is going to stay within the the Eastwood Health Centre, is two main concerns however, family. Clay says the family moving into the site of the old are not for the school itself but has not decided who will keep Cromdale School. for those who will be using the the house in the future, but This Eastwood Centre has services of the health centre. it is important to the family, been causing debates around “If they had knocked it especially his grandchildren. the surround- “There is ing area a lot of history since Capital here, including Health stated this tree in the their inten- backyard which tions of build- is pretty unique ing a new to this area. centre. Clay It’s an apple Sorensen’s tree, called a family has Northern Spy. been living They are com- in a house mon in parts north of the of Ontario but Cromdale they are not School, which Amanda Lewis common here.” CLAY SORENSEN - THE LAST MAN STANDING ON HIS BLOCK was built in Clay said, “ And 1935, since the early 1950’s. down [the school] I would where this house is, many years Clay, a maintenance man at have been ok with it but I ago it used to be a stockyard, a downtown hotel, went to know some people wouldn’t the only thing I could figure is Cromdale School grade one have been,” Sorensen said. that it came in with some crit- to grade eight; in fact even his “My main concerns are that ters one time. And it grew and parents went there. Sorensen it is easily accessible and it produced apples; they used admits school was like a job covered for seniors and for to be bigger than your fist but to him when he was a kid but moms and children, and the they’re about the size of your that he still has fond memo- security factor; make sure the fist now. A lot of people have ries of playing soccer with his thing’s patrolled properly.” gotten apples off this over the friends, and, remarkably, One thing Clay likes most last thirty or forty years.” even his first grade teacher. about the preliminary design The Sorensens have “My grade one teacher, that Manasc Isaac Architect’s been asked to sell their house I’ll always remember her revealed at the last commu- several times to Northlands name oddly enough, I can’t nity meeting is the open green but they will not. remember anyone else but I space the architects left. “The family’s plans remember her,” Clay said. “It’s kind of nice because are basically my mother’s, Clay disliked the idea of there is a group of young people this is her place and she has the health centre being built who for as long as I can remem- no intention of going any- on the site of the old school ber over the years have practiced where,” Sorensen added.

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8 RAT CREEK PRESS MAY 2006 LAW & ORDER: ON PATROL Unsafe for human habitation Cleaning up neighborhood derelict houses

PATRICIA DUNNIGAN disposal of used needles and again to bring this house up to asked about what drug para- required standards. Neighbourhood vision phernalia the contractor had Once a house is con- Chris Hayduk, the Derelict found. When he admitted to demned the tenants are Housing Officer with EPS has having thrown many needles required by law to leave the a vision for our neighbourhood. into the garbage, he was given a premises. Failing to do so can “The more we can get resident safe disposal demonstration on result in a trespassing charge ownership of houses in the the spot. with a stiff fine or four days in area, the safer it will become. As we moved through the jail. Chris and Woyciek work By taking action on unsafe house the officers explained as partners. As a police officer housing we also take action on hazards that made the house Chris doesn’t have the author- dangerous and criminal activity. unfit to live in. Access to the ity to condemn a house; his We are going through a renewal basement was partially covered role revolves around the type in this area, and those of us over with flooring and it was a of activity being reported. who live and raise our families tight fit for the 6’6 Constable Capital Health has the author- here have a strong commit- to squeeze through the opening ity but their officers can be ment to making this a safe and and onto a wooden ladder with in danger when trying to Patricia Dunnigan Patricia healthy community.” a broken top step. In the base- evict people so Chris backs WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN A BEAUTIFUL OLD HOUSE IS NOW BEYOND REPAIR He should know. Chris’s ment we found a crumbling Woyciek up with security. territory stretches east/west foundation that was propped Only the City of Edmonton Capital Health said he could demolished. “That’s good for from 121 St. to Wayne up by a wooden retaining wall. Derelict Housing department stay longer, he lives there alone the community,” states Chris. Gretzky Drive and north/south One corner had a big mound can order a demolition. (although someone is smok- Yes it is. from the Yellowhead to the of dirt from a recent cave-in. ing behind a closed door off river. “The need is greater Familiar filth the kitchen). Chris patiently Making A Complaint here because it’s such a high Unsafe to live in We leave for our second desti- continues to tell him to find Anyone who has valid con- rental district,” he adds. To be condemned a house nation, a condemned 2.5 storey another place or he will be cerns about a house can make When the opportunity has to be judged unsafe for house where the tenants have fined. a complaint. Problems can came to go on a ride-along with human habitation. Concerns removed the condemned sign Before we leave we go include: lack of water, heat, Constable Hayduk and Wojciek can include; electrical, plumb- and are resisting the order to to the back of the house and broken windows, vacant Drobina, an Environmental ing, heating, mould, broken vacate. The smell of gas and and knock on the door of and condemned houses being Health Officer with Capital windows and crumbling foun- cigarette smoke is thick as we a basement suite where yet accessed, or suspected drug Health, I jumped at the chance. dations. This house failed in climb to the upstairs suite. It another man still lives. “The house. three of the categories. Once a is here that I get to appreciate entrance is too low to be legal,” You will need to provide Black with grease property is condemned, Capital Chris’ exceptional people skills. Woyciek explains. Because the address of the house, what Our first stop was at a recently Health insists that everything Faced with contradictory stories of this, even if the necessary you observed; problems, types condemned drug house. A is repaired up to code before he is clear, direct and polite in repairs are made to the rest of activity and, if known, who contractor was doing some anyone can live in it again. reiterating his message – “either of the house, they can never the owner is. Although your cosmetic repairs in the kitchen. The word is that a new buyer leave or you will be fined.” The rent this part out again. complaint will remain confi- We were greeted by a strong recently assumed the existing upstairs resident claims to be Our third stop is in the dential you need to provide smell of natural gas as we mortgage of $118,000, sight the owner, which would give vicinity of 119 Ave. & 90 your contact information. entered. The walls and ceilings unseen, on this beauty and is him permission to remain in Street. Two side by side proper- How long before action were covered in filth, black renovating it so he can rent it the house to do repairs, how- ties are being investigated. One is taken depends on the sever- with grease and mice were scur- out again. It looks like a very ever his name is not on the house has been demolished ity and the work loads at the rying around in the kitchen. bad investment; according to title. He has been fighting with and the other is boarded up. time. While each complaint Chris was interested in safe Woyciek it will take half of that the downstairs tenant and each Chris looks for evidence of is investigated, this doesn’t blames the other for the prob- trespassing and Wojciek for insure that something can lems. health concerns. The demoli- be done about it. You are When we enter the main tion is complete but the rubble encouraged to call back if floor suite we are met with still remains and the owner has you haven’t had a response. the familiar filth. The health taken the opportunity to dump If you have a health or inspector wants to see if the old junk and garbage on the site quality of life complaint, call plumbing works but someone so it can be removed by the city. Capital Health at 413-7711. is in the bathroom so the ten- Action is being taken For concerns about a vacant ant exclaims, “Listen, you can on derelict houses thanks to derelict house you can call the hear him flushing the toilet. the partnership between the City of Edmonton’s derelict See, the plumbing works!” He Edmonton Police Service, housing department at 496- twists and changes his story to Capital Health and the City of 6031. Constable Hayduk can deflect any responsibility – his Edmonton. Out of 195 investi- be reached at 944-5202. brother owns the house, gations last year, 50 houses were

Volunteers 20% OFF make Rat Creek Celebrating 25 Years Each Tax Return a Success. Prepared by Feb. 28 Getting Rat Creek 2 for 1 to over 8,000 Pay for 1 return & get 2nd return mailboxes BIG RED of equal or lesser value FREE New Clients Only (with coupon) takes a lot of time INCOME TAX & ACCOUNTING and energy and it 25% OFF could 11107 - 95 Street Each Business Return not be done 471-6251 (with an invoice over $100.00) without the $100 OFF hard work of our Each Corporate Return volunteers. Dave Patterson, Manager Prepared by Dec. 31 With coupon (bring booklet) Good Accounts Don’t Cost You Money! They Save You Money! Call: 479.6285

RAT CREEK PRESS MAY 2006 9 COMMUNITY NEWS SpruceWords : It’s not JUST about books

HOWARD SAUNDERS for three weeks, then make up the steamship the Empress of your mind about buying it. Ireland in the St. Lawrence Education is a wonderful thing This has paid off for me many Estuary. Fans of exercise will – and the benefits of formal times over the years. Some want our DVDs too, as will education are well known; a I have bought and others I those who want inspiration better job and more security have just taken back, thank- for their yoga sessions. in life can all come with a suc- ful that I saved my money! Programs in the library cessful journey through post- You know that we now can be interesting and educa- secondary education. But edu- have a big collection of DVDs tional. During Spring Break, cation comes in many forms. – and the feature movies are 24 children had a wonder- These days it is not always just very popular indeed - but have ful time when an interpreter book learning that helps us you thought how interest- from the Valley Zoo brought to reach our goals – indeed, ing the non-fiction ones can animals and reptiles into the research has shown that people be? If you want to learn some library. That armadillo was learn in different ways, some new cooking techniques, try absolutely amazing! Watch out doing better by watching or lis- our cookery DVDs and you for programs in our upcom- tening, rather than reading. can be taught by such people ing Summer Reading Club. This being the case, the as Jacques Pepin and Julia public library is the place Child, as well as by Martha You never know what you to come. While we have Stewart – not to mention the might learn when you come to Staff thousands of books on a HOWARD SHOWS OFF THE SPRUCEWOOD COLLECTION Clever Cleaver Brothers. the Edmonton Public Library! multitude of topics, we also History buffs will have a have a lot of other things – and that includes English, library. You know how it goes ball with our DVDs, whether – on DVD, CD and tape. surely one of the hardest of – you hear a song on the radio you want “Storm over Europe, Editor’s note: This will If you are learning a all languages to learn, due that you think sounds interest- the Huns are coming” about be Howard’s last column with language, a book is just not to its lack of consistency. ing. Instead of going out and Attila, Visigoths and Vandals us as he is retiring as manager enough. You need to hear the As a lifelong lover of buying it right away and risk- and the wandering tribes of the Sprucewood library this spoken word. We have CDs music, I am constantly broad- ing your twenty bucks, you of Europe, or if you prefer spring. Thanks for you words and tapes to help you learn ening my musical education can go to the library, borrow “Journey to Oblivion” the Howard and we wish you all the a wide variety of languages by listening to CDs from the the CD and listen to it for free story of the disaster that befell best in your future endevours. Good Morning, Mr. Magpie The most common and most hated bird

ARTHUR DYCK In iridescent black plumage Magpie Legends with the white wing patches, white belly and sides, magpies The magpie is the subject of can be seen in almost every many folk tales and customs neighbourhood, where they are wherever it resides. considered a general nuisance. In spite of many efforts over In the western world the mag- PETER GOLDRING the years to eradicate the magpie was connected to Bacchus, Member of Parliament Edmonton East pie, they have remained one of the god of wine, so it became the most successful of birds. associated with intoxication. More often than not, you Speech from the Throne states will see them on the ground, In some parts of Europe, a mag- flipping over leaves and stones pie sitting on the top of a roof Government’s priorities to look for insects and other is a sign that a member of that invertebrates. Their nests, a dis- household will soon die. On Tuesday, April 4th, Canada’s new Conservative government delivered its organized mess of sticks, can be first Speech from the Throne outlining the Five Priorities that Canadians seen high in a tree, on a power The belief that it was bad luck from every part of the country supported during the recent federal election.

Stock pole, or on a power stanchion. to meet a magpie, especially a The first priority of Canada’s new Conservative government is to introduce Love them or hate them, lone one, led to the develop- They can be loud and obnox- we’ll probably always have the the Federal Accountability Act. This new law will restore the principle that ment of various customs such as government should serve the public interest, not personal interests. ious, waking you up early every magpie with us. Actually, there removing one’s hat and making morning. They’ve been known is something rather likeable the sign of the cross or spitting Secondly, Canada’s Conservative government will reduce taxes – starting with to steal objects from your back- about them. Their loud cry is over one’s shoulder three times the GST. Our plan calls for the GST to be dropped from 7% to 6% immedi- yard. They hate cats. This is often followed by soft chuckling and saying “Clean birds by ately, and eventually to 5%. It’s meaningful tax relief for all Canadians. the magpie, one of our city’s conversation. And you have to sevens, / Unclean by twos;/ The Canadians are worried about the availability of health care services. That’s most common birds, and pos- admit that their plumage and dove in the heavens/ Is the one why Canada’s new government will negotiate patient wait time guarantees sibly, the most hated. long tail is striking. As for their I choose.” Magpies have a terrible character, there is something to with the provinces – so Canadians finally start to receive essential medical treatment within clinically acceptable waiting times. reputation, though not always be admired in their brashness. In the eastern world, the mag- deserved, for driving songbirds Next time you see a magpie is regarded in a totally dif- Fourthly, Canada’s new Conservative government will deliver with a truly out of a neighbourhood by pie, consider it good luck, not ferent manner. It is a Chinese universal childcare plan that assists every family with children under six eating their eggs and young. bad (see Magpie Legends). bird of good omen and a bring- years old with $1,200 annually. At the same time, we will introduce They are true omnivores, eat- And if you are in the neigh- er of joy. To meet a magpie, incentives for businesses, non-profit and community-based-organizations to ing anything vegetable or bourhood of 115 Avenue and especially at the start of one’s add 125,000 new childcare spaces. animal, including small mam- 101 Street, keep an eye out journey, is an omen of great And our plan respects the fact that parents – not governments – are best at mals such as mice, or the dog for the albino magpie in its success. food out on your patio. white and light gray plumage. making decisions about how to care for their kids. Finally, Canadians deserve to feel safe in their homes, on their streets and in their communities and no longer want the well being of criminals to be above that of good, honest, law-abiding Canadians. Beginning with the Speech from the Throne, those days of “hug a thug” are gone. GOT COMMUNITY? Accountability, cutting the GST, a patient wait time guarantee, choice in child NEWS care and getting tough on crime – these are the priorities Canadians voted for and they are the priorities of Canada’s new Conservative government. We welcome your comments or concerns. CALL฀US! 479-6285 495-3261 www.petergoldring.ca

10 RAT CREEK PRESS MAY 2006 SPORTS AND RECREATION

PRE-SCHOOL SOCCER

6 Tuesdays beginning May 16 Alberta Avenue Community League (Rink) Play and Save Low Cost Summer Programs 2006 Instructor:Shauna Dowson Group 1 5:15 – 6:00 T-Rex & Friends Sports Stars Puppet Theatre Sports Stars Group 2 6:00-6:45 July 4-7, 9:00–11:30 July 24–28, 1:30–4:00 Aug 8–11, 9:00–11:30 Aug 21–25, 1:30–4:00 Alberta Avenue Hall Parkdale-Cromdale Hall Eastwood Hall Alberta Avenue Hall Ages 3-5 yrs $11 Ages 6-9 yrs $13 Ages 3-5 yrs $11 Ages 6-9 yrs $13 A great class for pre-schoolers (age 3-5) Arts Galore Adventure Us Kinder Cooks to learn instep passes, July 10-14, 9:00–4:00 July 24–28, 9:00–4:00 Aug 14–18, 9:00–11:30 shooting, dribbling, Eastwood Hall Alberta Avenue Hall Spruce Avenue Hall Ages 6-12 yrs $23 Ages 6-12 yrs $23 Ages 3–5 $13 throw-ins, stopping a ball, co-operative play and Art Alive Move & Groove Kinder Sports game simulation. Tag July 17–21, 1:30-4:00 July 31–Aug 4, 1:30–4:00 Aug 21–25, 9:00–11:30 games, keep away Eastwood Hall Parkdale-Cromdale Hall Alberta Avenue Hall Ages 6-9 yrs $14 Ages 6–10 yrs $14 Ages 4-6 yrs $13 games & mini-games.

Early in-person registration on May 11 from 4:30 – 7:00 pm To register call Brad at Commonwealth Stadium (11000 Stadium Rd) OR Grand Trunk MacCallum at 479-2313 Leisure Centre (13025-112 St). (office) or 982-3052 (cell). Phone Registration begins on Tuesday, May 23. Call 496-2966. To get your own complete copy of the 2006 PLAY AND SAVE Brochure pick one up at your local library or call 496-1901.

Tim Hus and the Rocky Mountain Two invite you to a great party! st COMMUNITY LEAGUE Call Me 1 INFORMATION: Former resident of Norwood Tim Hus is throwing a party on Friday, May 5 at the new Sidetrack Café on 10238 - 104 Street. Thinking of Selling? Alberta Avenue Now living in Calgary, Hus frequently returns to Edmonton to play 9210-118 Avenue his unique style of alternative cowboy/country music. His latest CD is Thinking of Buying? Ph: 477.2773 called HUSKIES AND HUSQVARNA, keep an eye out for it and Meets 2nd Tue at 7pm see you at the show! Call Roxanne Litwyn Hours: Wed 11am-5pm

439-7000 Delton 12325-88 Street Your neighbourhood Realtor Ph: 477.3326 Call for meeting times Serving Central Edmonton Since 1990 Eastwood 11803-86 Street FREE MARKET EVALUATION Ph: 477.2354 List of homes for sale Meets 4th Wed at 7pm Hours: MWF 10am-2pm (some restrictions apply)

www.roxannehomes.com Elmwood Park Not intended to solicit properties already listed for sale. 12505-75 Street Ph: 479.1035 Call for meeting times EE DELIVE Free Community Swims FR RY Parkdale Cromdale 11335-85 Street Alberta Avenue and Parkdale community league Ph: 471.4410 members can swim for free at Eastglen Pool Meets last Thu at 7pm (11410-86 St) on Sundays from 12-2 pm. Hours: MWF 11am-2pm Call your league to buy a membership. Spruce Avenue Spruce Avenue community league members can 10240-115 Avenue swim for free at the MacEwan Centre for Sport and Ph: 471.1932 Wellness (10700-104 Ave) Sundays from 2-5 pm. Meets 2nd Mon at 7pm

Westwood For membership or more info call Ray at 474.5354 12139-105 Street or Verna at 479.8019. Ph: 474.1979 4 2 4 . 4 2 7 7 Meets 1st Wed at 7pm Spicy-Steamy Out of the Oven and Delivered to your doorsteps within minutes You must present your 2005-2006 community league If busy, please call 709.2222 member card at the pool. 11749 - 95 Street Edmonton

RAT CREEK PRESS MAY 2006 11 COMMUNITY NOTICES COMMUNITY CALENDAR

JOURNALISM WORKSHOP & ADULT TUTORING / TUTORS Go to ratcreek.org online for FREE COMMUNITY SWIM (11410 68 St). Also Mon & Thu RCP EDITORIAL MTG ALWAYS WELCOME a complete and up-to-date See ad on page 11. 7:30-9:30pm and Wed 8:30- Tuesday, May 30 from 6:00 to Do you know someone who calendar. Submit your events 9:30pm. 8:30 pm. 6pm Pizza supper. wants to learn to read and to [email protected] or PRESCHOOL PLAYGROUP / 6:30 pm sharing by Tracey write better? Please tell them call 479-6285. INDOOR PLAYGROUND EDMONTON URBAN NATIVE Comeau, a 2nd year GMC about The Learning Centre Contact Karen at 479-4812 for MINISTRY Journalism student interning (10116 105 Avenue). We CCEP COMMUNITY more info. Drop-in centre Tues-Fri from with the Rat Creek Press. Time offer one-to-one tutoring and RESOURCE FAIR 10am - 4pm at St. Andrews, for discuss and Q&A. 7:00 small group learning. We also Thursday, May 4 from 4:30 to 7:30 TRADITIONAL 8715 118 Ave. pm Open editorial meeting to welcome volunteers who want at Spruce Avenue School (11424 SWORDSMANSHIP brainstorm and plan for the to help others learn. For more 102 St). Explore agencies, camps Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7 – 10 pm THE SAL: TEEN DROP-IN upcoming year. Please call information, call Mary at and organizations who provide at Parkdale Hall (11335 85 St) use Tue-Fri 3:30-5pm at Edmonton 479-6285 to RSVP. 429-0675. services to our community. back door. $50/month; visitors Crossroads Church, 11661 95 welcome. By the Academy of St, 474-4324. “A TASTE OF EDMONTON” LOCAL STUDENTS NEED ADULT COMMUNITY ART European Swordsmanship, for VOLUNTEERS NEEDED SUPPORT FOR ALEX NIGHT – BOOK PROJECT more info call 437-9317 or visit AA/RECOVERY MEETINGS Safeway Pancake Breakfasts, DECOTEAU RUN 3 Tuesdays, May 9 to 23 from www.the-aes.org. Edmonton Crossroads Wine Servers and Security The seven schools in the City 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Nina Haggerty 11661 95 St, 474-4324 volunteers needed from July Centre Education Project will Centre for the Arts (9702 111 IMPROVE YOUR PUBLIC Christian 12 Step, Mon at 20-29. Great benefits and be participating in the fifth Ave). Make a media accordion SPEAKING WITH 7:45pm only a minimum of 12 hrs is annual Alex Decoteau Run on book using pen & ink washes, TOASTMASTERS Ladies AA Meeting Tue at 8pm required. Call Suzuanne at May 12, 2006. Approximately design a collage jacket, bind the Learn public speaking and Open AA Meeting Thur at 8pm 423-2822 ext. 25. 600 students from Delton and pages to the jacket. Cost $10. communication skills in an St. Faith’s Anglican Spruce Avenue are in need of Call 474-7611 to register. encouraging, supportive and 11725 93 St, 477-5931. SPORTS DIRECTOR NEEDED lunches at a cost of $2.20 per friendly environment with AA Meeting, Sat at 2pm Spruce Avenue Community lunch. If you could help out COME WHAT MAY EXHIBIT Norwood Toastmasters Club on Keep It Simple Club League is looking for a contact Loraine Kliciak or Gary Of all new work by Nina Haggerty Thursday evenings from 8pm to 11720 82 St, 471-4705 Sports director to organize McCorquodale at 477-8742. artists. Opening reception on 10pm at the Norwood Legion AA Tues & Thur at 8pm. teams for children living in Thursday, May 11 from 4 to 7:30 (11150 82 St). This is a strong NA weekdays at 12pm. the community. Call Verna or CAR FOR SALE pm at Nina Haggerty Centre for well-established club with diverse Henry at 479-8019 if you are 94 Ford Taurus Station Wagon the Arts (9702 111 Ave). Exhibit membership. Call Pauline 430- FOOD & FELLOWSHIP interested 3.8L, 175,000 kms, Good runs from May 5 to 25. Hours 9:30 8774 for more information. Edm Crossroads Church Condition, $2000 obo. Call to 2:30 Mon-Fri and Tue/Thu 6 to 8 11661 95 St, 474-4324 GRAND PRIX VOLUNTEERS Rene 477-3214. pm. Call 474-7611 for more info. ARGENTINE TANGO DANCE The Haven, Fridays at 7pm. NEEDED Lessons: Sundays, 6 – 8 pm; Worship, Sundays, 3 & 6pm. 30-40 volunteers are needed ADULT COMMUNITY ART Practice: Sundays 8 – 9 pm. Coffee/Snacks, Sundays, 4:15 for Grand Prix 50-50 ticket To post a free community NIGHT – CLAY WORKSHOP $5/person per class. Come by St. Faith’s Anglican sales. Tickets are sold on notice (max 75 words) email 5 Tuesdays, May 30 to June 27 yourself or bring a friend. Parkdale 11725 93 St, 477-5931 the race grounds on July21- [email protected] or call from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Nina Hall (11335 85 St). For more info Service & Lunch, Thur, 12pm. 23.Orientation provided in mid- 479-6285. Notices are Haggerty Centre for the Arts (9702 call Cindy or Vance at 440-2455. Breakfast, Sat, 8:30-9:30. June. This should be a great published as space permits 111 Ave). Creating slab and coil Women’s Supper & Fellowship, fundraiser and a fun time for and deemed appropriate by houses, abstract vases, flowers, ADULT SWIM 2nd Thursday at 6pm. all. Must be 18 years of age. the editorial team. and figures. Cost $10. Call Friday & Saturday nights from Community Supper, Call Verna at 479-8019. 474-7611 to register. 11pm to 1am at Eastglen Pool 3rd Friday from 5-6:30pm

Play or Work BINGO at Alberta Avenue 9210-118 Avenue, 477-2773

Every Wednesday, Thursday & Friday starting at 6:10 pm Additional late night bingo on Fridays starting at 10:20 pm Volunteers needed!! It’s easy work in a quiet & smoke-free environment. Come out and support your community.

Norwood Edmonton 9516 114 Avenue SPRUCEWOOD BRANCH 11555 - 95 Street, 780.496.7099 Resource Centre Ph. 471-3737 Public Library

by lunch, Thursdays, May Rhymes that Bind Fabulous Readers’ Club Heroic Writing Contest! D.I.Y: Do It Yourself 18 to June 22. Rhymes, finger play, songs 2 p.m. Saturday, May 13 Whether your hero is a 2 p.m. Saturday, May 20 and movement games for Grades 4 and up.Enjoy friend, relative, celebrity, Ages: 13 - 18 years Planet Norwood infants and toddlers. Free some games, win some pet or historic figure, we Sweet Lip Gloss. Show Recreation, personal drop-in program including prizes and, of course, read want to hear about off those beautiful lips development, life skills, lunch. Newborn to 3 yrs. GREAT books! it! Tell the world about of yours with your own cultural awareness, 11:30-12:30, Wednesdays, your hero and enter for a homemade lip gloss. academic skills and more. until June 7. Tiny Clay Pot Pin Cushion chance to win great prizes! For children ages 2 p.m. Saturday, May 6 Entries may be in any form How to Get Organized 6-13 years. It’s FREE but Books & Fun for Toddlers Ages: 9 years and up - a story, a newspaper 6:30 p.m. Wed, May 24 please register. Explore books, play games, What to give Mom for article, a poem or even a Join Shelly Morrison Monday to Friday, 3:30 to sing songs and do crafts. Mother’s Day? How about a comic strip! Write about from Clutter Cutter 6:00 For ages 13 months to 3 pin cushion which you have your hero in 500 words or Professional Organizing Thursdays, 2:30 to 5:00 years. 10–11:30 followed by decorated with a couple of less and drop your entry off Inc. who will present a Saturdays, noon to 4:00 lunch, Tuesdays, May 16 to simple embroidery stitches. at the Sprucewood Branch session on organization. June 20. by Friday, August 11, 2006. Literacy and Parenting Just Plain Fun Shelly will share her Skills Books & Fun for 2 p.m. Saturday, May 27 proven ideas for cutting For parents with children Preschoolers Ages: 6 - 12 years clutter from your home. ages Read stories, tell stories, Spring to the library for Did you know the library Recapture your space 0-6. Wednesdays, 9:30- sing, dance, do crafts, play stories and crafts. Take has a huge collection of and sanity! 11:30, May 3 to June 21. games and meet other home your own painted music cds, videos and families. For ages plaster keepsake. dvds? 3–6 years. 1:30–3:30, Teen Night Tuesdays, May 16 to June For ages 10-13 years. 20 OR 10:00-12:00 followed Fridays, 6:30-8:30 CALL TO REGISTER FOR PROGRAMS Monday - Tuesday 10 am-8 pm or to book the large meeting room Wednesday - Friday 1 pm-8 pm Call and register for all programs unless stated otherwise. for free both during or after hours. Saturday 10 am-5 pm Sunday closed

12 RAT CREEK PRESS MAY 2006