February 2013
Parkallen News
World Wildlife Fund supports children’s projects in Parkallen’s Community Garden In this issue… • Meet your Community League • R eport from the University liaison • Hall Happenings • Parkallen Kids Corner • Classified
Student Griffin Irving and Principal, Kathy Toogood with Parkallen School’s new owl stuffie. Watch Parkallen’s facebook page for news on the owl’s new name!
Parkallen School has been awarded a Green CommUnity School grant by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Parkallen’s own Dr. Dan Slavik, an artic habitat and conservation specialist for the WWF visited Parkallen School this month to present a cheque supporting upcoming gardening projects, and to talk about biodiversity and his fascinating work in Canada’s polar regions. The classes had plenty of questions for Dr. Slavik about arctic
wildlife, especially polar bears. Dan also presented a WWF snowy owl stuffie for the school to adopt, leaving the task of naming it up to the students. Last fall residents and schoolchildren harvested the first veggies from Parkallen’s Community Garden. Kale, beans, corn, heirloom squash, pumpkins, tomatoes, pickling cukes and other edibles thrived in the newly created soil. One of the greatest success stories
in the garden was not the food, but the relationships cultivated between the community garden and Parkallen School. Classes of elementary students planted seeds in the spring, our community gardeners tended the seeded beds while the kids were away on summer holidays, and the children harvested some of the produce in September after returning to a new grade. (continued on page 2)
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Congratulations to Parkallen School, and many, many thanks to parent volunteers Brent Flesher and Marlene Wurfel of the Parkallen Community Garden who volunteer their time to enhance wildlife habitat around the school and keep our community garden growing, in so many ways. Students Sabrina, Olivia and Isla with Dr. Dan Slavik, WWF Canada Arctic Project
For more information on Green CommUnity School grants visit: http://www.wwf. ca/takeaction/ greengrants/
http://blog.wwf.ca/ blog/author/danslavik/
Lifting pitch-forks full of organic Yukon Gold potatoes for Parkallen’s Grade 2 class to grab from the soil for their dinner-tables caused fervor similar to when a piñata bursts open at a party. It was clear from the feedback from both kids and parents that growing and harvesting vegetables is a fantastically empowering act for Parkallen’s young citizens.
There will be some green, healthy, hands-on learning experiences to be had in our unique outdoor classroom. Take a stroll through the Parkallen Community Garden and Ellingson park this growing season and look for the 3 Sisters Garden, the Pickle Patch, the Pizza Garden, the Butterfly Garden, and new bird, bat and insect houses
“We are excited to see how the community garden will continue to grow and thrive through this partnership.” Dr. Kathy Toogood, Parkallen School Principal Following through from our successes in 2012, the WWF grant will assist with the “Wild Wings Habitat & Children’s Gardening Beds” project slated for this gardening season. The main goals of the project are to increase biodiversity, to provide local and sustainable food options and education, and to build and strengthen community networks within Parkallen.
that will help insect-munching, pollinating, kid and pet-safe, non-invasive, native creatures thrive in Parkallen’s green spaces. What would the kids like to see in Parkallen? Bats, owls and dragonflies, please, to help keep the pest populations down. As for naming the school’s new owl? “I think Snowball,” says Hazel Flesher of Grade 2, “because she’s white and she can fly through the air.”
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Meet your Community League involved and they are learning to appreciate volunteering. I hope that they will understand the importance of volunteering. I am currently responsible for the social and programs for the community. I run monthly movie nights for kids, pub nights for adults every three months, the snow festival and I book the summer programs with the city. If anyone is interested in getting involved let me know. I am always looking for new ideas and people to help.
Who inspires you?
Leanne Kohn, Parkallen Programs and Social
Where did you grow up? I grew up on a dairy and grain farm west of Leduc. Growing up I had horses, different pets, snowmobiles and motorbikes. When I was 17, I moved to Edmonton. I left for Switzerland when I was 19 and lived in Europe for almost four years. While I was there I travelled extensively. I lived in Amsterdam for a few months and helped set up a daycare in the red light district. In 1987 I returned to Edmonton and I have lived here ever since.
When did you move into Parkallen? I moved to Parkallen in 1996. A good friend was living in the neighbourhood and she really liked it. After a couple years of renting we bought the house we currently live in and made Parkallen our home.
What do you like best about Parkallen? Of all the neighbourhoods I’ve lived in, Parkallen is by far the
friendliest. When my husband and I would walk our dog people would stop and talk. I don’t think it was just because our dog was cute. People here are genuinely friendly. I also enjoy the large trees and the green space that the kids call the forest. It is nice to live in a mature neighbourhood.
Why do you volunteer for the community league? In Parkallen there have been several people who I have enjoyed volunteering with over the past few years. Working with the park committee was inspirational. The women that were committed to the project for years taught me the value of giving back to the community that we live in. I have volunteered for several different organizations. Volunteering in the neighbourhood has been one of the most rewarding opportunities. When I have needed people to help with projects there is always someone to lend a hand. I am able to get my children
I have had some amazing people in my life that have influenced and inspired me. The first would be my family. My parents and grandparents always volunteered and helped their friends, family and neighbours. They volunteered at their church, for sports teams and in their community. They also had an open door policy. There were always people in our home. They were generous with their time and helped the less fortunate.
Tell us one thing people would be surprised to know about you. I was a rodeo queen. But don’t tell anyone. It was of course several years ago. I still have the belt buckle to prove it. lol
Thank you to Leanne for all of her hard work on the many events we enjoy at our league hall and park. SnowFest, Movie Nights, Pub Nights and many others. Leanne’s work helps bring us together!
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Report from the University Liason Who’s making plans for our community? What say do we have? Who will stand up with Parkallen? Lawrie Selegman brings us up to date, and issues an important plea for participation.
Is Parkallen going to go it alone? To put it simply, Parkallen is currently being challenged on all sides. To the north, the City wants to remove Belgravia and McKernan from the Belgravia-McKernan-Parkallen Community Development Plan to facilitate the new Station Area Plan; this will leave Parkallen kind-of high and dry. Do we want to be the last community standing? Do we recommend the City rescind the plan entirely? Are there better options? To the east, the 109th Street Area Redevelopment Plan could result in major changes to the look and the feel of our community. Will 109 Street become a pedestrian friendly boulevard? Or a car-friendly route like 97th street? And to the west, the University of Alberta is in the process of creating a whole new campus on the South Campus lands, which could bring fabulous opportunities for us, their closest neighbours, but also bring unprecedented issues like parking problems, increased traffic, and the pressures that come with having thousands of people living in residence accommodations right next door to a small city neighbourhood.
How does the University involve our neighbourhood? There are two neighbourhood groups currently in discussion with the University of Alberta; the University of Alberta Consultation Committee (UACC) and the South Campus Neighbourhood Coalition (SCNC). I sit on both committees and I am pleased to provide you with this update on our work. The UACC will shortly wrap up a review of its mandate and Terms of Reference. Options to be discussed include: Option One: UACC to continue in its present format with representation from all communities. The University will continue to use the UACC as a sounding board and discuss development projects at the initial stages of development ideas. Option Two: UACC to continue to meet as an information-sharing vehicle on the various activities at the university and in communities. Development topics would not be discussed. Option Three: Disband the UACC. I can tell you, the feeling was pretty strong at our last UACC meeting in November that Option Three (and Four and Five, which all propose the disbanding of the UACC) was a non-starter. Still, we’ll see what the whole group decides when we meet with the University administration.
Are we truly partners? The South Campus Neighbourhood Coalition (SCNC) is, similarly, working to get a clear understanding of what its role and relationship is vis-a-vis the UofA. Can we truly affect the process of amending the Long Range Development Plan? Will we be the University’s partners and colleagues in the planning process for South Campus? Or will we just be the perennial (and ineffective) thorn in their side? We saw how the first test case turned out with the Balmoral Curling Club’s repurposing into the new radioactive isotope/research facility. We got their attention, but they got their research facility. One wonders how the 23rd Avenue-122 Street interchange is going to turn out.
Your reps need your help. One thing is certain: the people who represent their communities on the SCNC, who are in many
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cases the same people who represent their communities on the UACC, need your support. Your community representatives, all volunteers, are often meeting several times a month, usually in the evening. Now, if I haven’t scared you off (!), we need your help. We need new people who love living in Parkallen; people who chose to live here because of the uniqueness of our village-in-the-city community; people who want to give back by doing what they can to ensure this Parkallen is here for the next generation. We need new members for the UACC and for the SCNC. As we get closer to clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the UACC, it will become clearer what the possibilities are. And I believe they will be exciting for the community. We’ll also be seeing in short order the scope and effectiveness of the SCNC. If you are interested in joining one or both of these neighbourhood groups to advocate on behalf of Parkallen and its neighbours, please get in touch with me. I’d love to hear from you. Lawrie Seligman uofa@parkallen.ca
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February 2013
What is the University planning for Parkallen’s future? Find out. This is your last chance to have a say The University of Alberta and the South Campus Neighbourhood Coalition will be co-hosting a community-wide Open House to present the proposed amendments to the Long Range Development Plan (LRDP) regarding the South Campus lands.
McKernan School Thursday, March 14, 2013 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (formal presentation at 7:00 p.m.)
Why should you go? This is a follow-up to the Public Information Open House held last September 26, 2012., and gives us one last chance to find out what the university is proposing and what impact it will have on us and our communities. You can see the feedback from the September Open House by going to the University of Alberta web site: http://www.communityrelations.ualberta.ca/ en/Notices/2012/October/AmendmenttoLand UsePlanforSouthCampus26Sept2012.aspx - http
What if you have changes to propose?
Following the Open House, these amendments will go forward to the University of Alberta’s Board of Governors for approval; they will then be presented to the Minister of Enterprise and Advanced Education for final approval. Residents of all the communities are encouraged to come view and discuss the changes.
If you have changes to propose, please refer them to the Parkallen Community League’s representatives to the South Campus Neighbourhood Coalition: Lawrie Seligman (uofa@parkallen.ca) or Donna White (civics@ parkallen.ca).
Parkallen Pub Night th In March pub night will celebrate Ireland. And we’re not talking about the usual suspects here. Let’s get outside the box of leprechauns and the boring green beer. Need inspiration? Try www.ireland.com Come prepared to fill us in on your favorite Irish writer, poet or singer. Bring some new Irish music on your MP3/4 player. What’s your favorite Irish movie? Can you entertain us? Even better!! Have your own great pictures? Bring them along. Are you from Ireland? You’ll be toast of the evening. Want to help us pull this together? Please get in touch. We need you! social@parkallen.ca 8:00 p.m. Parkallen Community League Hall
March 8th is International Women’s Day This year, honour the special women in your life with a Wonderful Woman art card from the YWCA. With a donation of $25, the YWCA will send this beautiful card to a woman who has made a difference in your life. And your donation will make a difference in the lives of many others. Find out more at: www.ywcaofedmonton.org/ honour-wonderful-women or go to this website: www.ywcaofedmonton.org and look at the Honour Wonderful Women header to see how YOU can make a difference.
Join a program today! 780-492-1000 www.activityreg.ualberta.ca FREE PARKING FOR REGISTRANTS
Hall Happenings February 2013 Parkallen Playgroup Tuesdays 10 am -12 pm
Parkallen Knitters Wednesdays 12:30 pm - 3 pm
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Movie Night Movies are $5 each. Popcorn just 50 cents! Soft drinks cost a loonie. Between movies there will be a short dance party (to get the sillies out!). Kids should bring pillows or bean bag chairs to sit on. Are you great with kids? Want to help out? We can always use volunteers. Contact Leanne at social@parkallen.ca.
February 22
March 29
6 pm: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 8 pm: The Fantastic Four
6 pm: Rise of the Guardians 8 pm: The Hobbit
Be a Volunteer! The Parkallen Community League needs a Hall Rental Co-ordinator A.S.A.P. The Hall Rental Co-ordinator is an executive position that requires organizational skills, money handling, responding to e-mails and attendance at one executive board meeting per month. In approximately 10 hours per month you can help your community connect and thrive at Parkallen’s Community Hall Other PCL volunteer opportunities include: Hall Maintenance Hall Gardener To seize this opportunity contact executive@parkallen.ca today. Training is provided. Benefits include free hall rentals
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February 2013
Haveyou you heard?! Have heard?! Parkallen Community Parkallen Community is now on Facebook! is now on Facebook!
Stay up-to-date with neighbourhood Stay up-to-date with neighbourhood happenings: happenings: • Events • Events • Construction • Construction • Community Meetings • Community Meetings • Local Business News • Local Business News • Groups and Activities • Groups and Activities • Membership Updates • Membership Updates • PLUS easy access to our • PLUS easy access to our online newsletter! online newsletter! Stay in the loop! Stay in the loop! “Like” Parkallen “Like” Parkallen Community today Community today
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February 2013
Parkallen Kids Corner
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Classified Parkallen resident since 1990 and pet/house sitting for 12 years. Will shovel walks, bring in mail, water plants, take care of your pets while you are away. Contact Michele @780.434.7871. References available on request
Your Parkallen Community League Executive: President: Alex Clifford Vice-President: Sam Guffey Casino: Christie Roy Irving Civics: Donna White Community Garden Coordinator: Robert Kirchner Graphics: Lindsay Erickson Groundskeeper: VACANT Hall Coordinator: VACANT Hall Maintenance: VACANT Housing and Development: Jan Hardstaff Membership Coordinator: Sandra Stessun Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator: VACANT Newsletter: Anne Pratt Park Redevelopment Committee: Nora Begoray Programs and Social: Leanne Kohn Rink Manager: Sal Blair Secretary: Allison Chevrette Soccer: Meghan Dunnigan Social Media Coordinator: Jessica Bateman South Campus Neighbourhood Coalition: Lawrie Seligman & Donna White Sustainability Coordinator: VACANT Transportation: VACANT Treasurer: Brandon Golby Website: Marc Pearce
president@parkallen.ca vicepresident@parkallen.ca casino@parkallen.ca civics@parkallen.ca sustainability@parkallen.ca newsletter@parkallen.ca
housing@parkallen.ca membership@parkallen.ca newsletter@parkallen.ca park@parkallen.ca social@parkallen.ca rink@parkallen.ca secretary@parkallen.ca soccer@parkallen.ca newsletter@parkallen.ca uofa@parkallen.ca sustainability@parkallen.ca transportation@parkallen.ca treasurer@parkallen.ca webmaster@parkallen.ca