June 2014
Parkallen
News In this issue… • Meet your Community League • Garden Update • Hall Happenings • Classified
Full house for Community Consultation Thank you to everyone who came out for the Parkallen Community Consultation. We had a great discussion and heard some fantastic ideas. Over 100 people took our online survey and indicated wide support for the garden initiatives. We are pleased to advise that we are proceeding with the following projects:
Completion of the Parkallen Community Garden Wild Wings project This project is fully funded by the World Wildlife Fund and includes the addition of a bee house, bat box for the Little Brown bat, an owl box and birdhouses for native birds.
Questions from survey: Is there a risk that birdseed will grow in the park ?
The birdseed used in the park will be sterilized and will not germinate and spread. Do Little Brown bats pose any risk? With a population between 1 and 1.5 million, Little Brown bats are very common in Alberta and pose very little risk to humans. They only come out at night and eat a strict insect diet. It is not a good idea to handle bats, or any other wild animal. I am worried about bee allergies – so solitary bees sting? Like many insects, solitary bees are able to sting. But unlike bumble bees or honey bees, they are not aggressive and they never swarm. If you step on a solitary bee it may sting you. People who are allergic to common bees may be sensitive to solitary bee stings as well.
Where else would I find solitary bees? Are they unusual? Solitary bees are probably in your garden right now. But you may not recognize them as bees since they do not look like their more common cousins. Solitary bees are essential pollinators and are used by farmers everywhere to pollinate crops.
Some facts about bats Bats are flying mammals. Bats can see quite well. Bats seldom transmit disease to other animals or humans, but bats are wild animals and should not be disturbed, in case they are carrying certain diseases. The little brown bat is a harmless insect eater.
Parkallen News
City of Edmonton BIKE SAFETY COURSES We need minimum registrations for these coures to run, Don’t delay! Register today.
Bike Safety -- ages 4 to 6 years For kids who love biking and are still on training wheels. Learn how to stay safe while having fun on your bike! Sunday July 6, 2014 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Meet at the basketball courts near the playground in Ellingson Park, 11104–65 Avenue Course Code: 523571 $11/participant
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June 2014 Bike Safety -- ages 6 to 12 For kids without training wheels. Learn basic bicycle skills, rules of the road, and safety through bike games and obstacle courses. Sunday July 6, 2014 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Meet at the basketball courts near the playground in Ellingson Park, 11104–65 Avenue Course Code: 523572 $13/participant How to register: - Call 311 - Online at eReg.edmonton.ca (search by course code or in “Fitness, Sports & Wellness” category then “Parkallen Community Hall”) - In person at any City of Edmonton Recreation & Leisure Centre
Parkallen Building Permits Keeping informed Construction season commenced in May and we are seeing a significant rise in building permits being accepted in Parkallen. Given our zoning, it is very difficult to build duplexes in Parkallen and there are no building permits for this type of development. As it stands, there are (7) new single-family homes scheduled to be built in our neighborhood. We encourage development in our community, as a good community is an organic one that changes over time, while preserving the community’s surroundings such as our beloved boulevards and mature streetscapes. See www.Parkallen.ca If any residents have any questions or concerns pertaining to building permits, please send an email to housing@parkallen.ca
Art in the Park(allen) A free Art and Music Festival June 21 11a.m. to 6p.m.
All proceeds from the BBQ support Edmonton Meals on Wheels.
111 St between 65 and 68 Aves. http://www.arttrends.ca/artintheparkallen/
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Parkallen News
What is a Bat Box? by Marlene Wurfel A bat box is a type of nesting box used by wildlife gardeners who want to provide a safe, secure place for bats to raise their babies. Little Brown Bat is the name of the most common bat species in Alberta. They’re little. They’re brown. And yup, they’re bats. They weigh less than half an ounce (8.5 grams) and have a wingspan of up to 8 inches (20 cm). Bats eat night-flying insects and live throughout Alberta. Alberta Conservation describes bats as “among the most gentle, beneficial, and necessary animals on Earth.” Bats eat pests and pollinate flowers. They are shy creatures, and the world’s only flying mammals. Bats locate their dinner by sonar. If you want to see bats in Edmonton, go for a walk in the river valley at dusk. Throw a handful of small pebbles or popcorn up in the air to mimic a small cloud of flying insects. Little Brown Bats will swoop down to feed when they “hear/see” the objects flying through the air. Their velvety-fast flight is a marvel to behold. Don’t worry: bats won’t hurt you or crash land with you. They’re incredibly agile flyers and bats don’t attack people. Fish and Wildlife estimate that there are roughly 1 to 1.5
million little brown bats peacefully co-existing with us here in Alberta. While bats aren’t dangerous, their diseased corpses or feces could be. As with any animal, you shouldn’t play with injured or dead bats, or with their poop. Bats belong outdoors, not in your house. Don’t clean up bat poop or handle dead bats without protecting yourself, especially your lungs. If you see a dead or injured bat (one that isn’t flying away from you) anywhere in the City, contact our local Environmental Health Officer (Edmonton Main Office: 780-735-1800). Parkallen Community Garden’s bat box has been hanging up for two nesting seasons. It looks like a birdhouse but is open on the bottom where a floor would be. The inside is rough wood which nesting bats would cling to (upside-down!) while nursing their pups. Our bat box is mounted on a hockey light stand more than 4 meters above ground with a clear swoop zone. It gets lots of sunlight during the day (which bats like) but has yet to be inhabited. Maybe next Spring? Bat boxes can contain a colony of 50-500 mama bats. They’re often
Typical bat box
called nurseries because only mothers with pups use them, and only in the spring, to nurse their pups. Bats don’t live in or hibernate in bat boxes; they go elsewhere for the winter. You can buy a bat box (bats are never included) or build your own – there is lots of information online. One common misconception is that a bat box will reduce the number of mosquitoes in your yard. Bats, however, fly farther afield to feast so they’re more likely to clean up a neighbour’s yard. You’re welcome, Allendale.
Summer Day Camps at Parkallen Hall Hip Hop Dance – ages 6 to 9 Monday July 7 to Friday July 11, 2014 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Course code: 517700
Nature Explorers – ages 3 to 5 Monday August 11 to Friday August 15, 2014 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Course code: 517708
Multi-Mania – ages 8 to 12 Monday July 28 to Friday August 1, 2014 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Course code: 518606
Registration opens April 29, 2014. Register early to avoid disappointment! Browse all camps at edmonton.ca/daycamps
Mmmonsters! – ages 3 to 5 Monday August 11 to Friday August 15, 2014 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Course code: 517666
To Register: • Call 311 • Online at eReg.edmonton.ca • I n person at any City of Edmonton Recreation & Leisure Centre
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June 2014
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(780)434-7616 5534-111 Street, Edmonton info@makdental.com
We provide a full range of comprehensive general services including: Complimentary happy visit for children under 3. State of the art in office professional whitening. Digital radiography.
www.makdental.com See what your neighbours are saying about Mak Dental: www.demandforce.com/b/makdental
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Parkallen News
Meet your Community League Who inspires you? My Aunt. She was always positive and able to make anyone laugh. She really brightened the lives of everyone she met and that is the type of person who I strive to become.
Why do you volunteer for the Community League? I really enjoy being a part of the community and having input. I like the idea that I can effect change within the community and work towards making things better. Plus, the people are wonderful to work with!
Alex Clifford
Where did you grow up?
Tell us one thing that most people would be surprised to know about you.
I grew up in a little town called Ayr, ON.
When did you move to Parkallen? I moved to Parkallen 3 years ago when I began my PhD at the University of Alberta.
What do you like best about this community? When I first came to Parkallen, the people here were very welcoming and friendly from the first moment. I was attending the unveiling of the splash park and ended up being coerced by Nora to be a target in the Dunk Tank - I left the event with new friends, but I was also soaking wet!
When I was in Kitchener-Waterloo, for a few years I organized a summer camp for children with special needs. It was one of the most inspiring jobs I have ever had; I think those kids taught me more than most of my university courses! Alex Clifford is currently the co-president of the Parkallen Community League. He has also served as president. Thank you for all your work Alex. See you at the dunk tank.
It’s not too late to get into a great local preschool! Green Circle Preschool in Parkallen School has a few spots left for the 2014/2015 school year. Come to our Open House on Monday, June 16 from 5-7 pm to meet our NEW teacher and check out our bright, sunny classroom. Please visit our website at www.greencirclepreschool.com for more registration information.
“A place where friendships begin and children blossom”
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June 2014
Wanted: Green Shack Leader Monday to Friday. 9 weeks, 35 hours a week. Starts June 23, 2014. $15.95/hr. SWEATER SALE OPEN HOUSE
Windsor Park Community Hall 11840 - 87 Ave.
Saturday, June 14, 2014 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Hand - knit scarves, hats, vests, sweaters…pima cotton/alpaca: adult & children sizes (custom orders available) PRICES: $25.00 - $250.00 Minkha is a women’s knitting cooperative. Save the Children Canada volunteers assist the Bolivian knitters by marketing the sweaters on a non-profit basis. Linda Haswell (780) 436-5732 www.minkhasweaters. com
Summer Recreation Program Leaders/Youth Program Leaders will be responsible for the following: • Lead children/youth in recreational activities • Ensure the safety of participants • Work with co-leaders and volunteers • Participate in pre-program training and in-services • Prepare daily and weekly plans and evaluations of activities • Maintain statistics as well as the security of equipment and supply inventory • Act as a customer service representative on program sites for parents and community members • Other related duties as required Please send your resume to president@parkallen.ca
Hall Happenings for June 2014 Parkallen Playgroup Mondays 1 pm - 3 pm Girl Guides Tuesdays 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Parkallen Knitters Wednesdays 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Graphics & layout for Parkallen News courtesy of:
lindsayerickson 780.707.0522
|
www.lericksongraphics.com
Thank You! To the Parkallen Knitters for their generous donation.
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Parkallen News
Spring Clean Up Spring cleanup has begun in Edmonton and there has been a lot of activity taking place around Parkallen such as street sweeping, sod repairs and waste removal. As we transition into summer, I would like to remind residents that we all play a vital role in the cleanliness of our community and that it is our responsibility to look after our alleyways and yards. While rare, we have seen several couches, electrical appliances and other debris in our alleyways this spring. We highly recommend those residents who have placed waste in their alleyway this spring to deliver the items to the nearest Eco Station, which is located at 5150 – 99 Street. An Eco Station is a comprehensive
waste drop off facility, which allows residents to discard of household hazardous waste, electrical items, big bulky items such as sofas, yard debris and any other item typically found in a landfill. It should be noted that the City of Edmonton has the ability to issue tickets in the amount of $250 should residents not be in compliance and leave significant debris in their respective alleyway. We look forward to sharing a clean and tidy neighbourhood with our community members this summer, keep up the great job!
The Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues (EFCL) in partnership with the City of Edmonton, is developing its Five Year Strategic Plan (2014-18) and conducting a Civic Engagement Review as part of this. This survey is one of the opportunities for community league members, community league board members and non-members (general public) to share their insights to help shape and inform the future work of the EFCL. The future of Community Leagues is in your hands. Please complete the survey. It will only take you about 15-20 minutes to complete. www.efclsurvey2014.ca
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Parkallen News
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. Need a babysitter? Call Elan (4yrs experience) or Eiden (1yr experience) ( if one is busy the other may not). Both have experience with kids 1yr and up. Please call 780-438-2120 This Summer, kids and teens can immerse themselves in the world of theatre at the 6th annual Northern Light Performance Camp for Youth held in Pleasantview Community Hall from August 11th-22nd. This is the ONLY theatre camp which produces a show, THE PIPER, directed by Professionals and it’s right in your neighbourhood!
Your Parkallen Community League Executive:
Co President: Alex Clifford
Co President: Leanne Kohn
Treasurer: Julie Beschell Casino: VACANT Membership: Sandra Stessun & Janet Mayhew
president@parkallen.ca vicepresident@parkallen.ca treasurer@parkallen.ca casino@parkallen.ca membership@parkallen.ca
Secretary: Allison Chevrette
Past President: Nora Begoray pastpresident@parkallen.ca
Parks & Recreation Director: Meghan Dunnigan Rink: Sal Blair Soccer Coordinator: Meghan Dunnigan Hall Coordinator: Jennifer Fedor Hall Maintenance: David Begoray Social Coordinator: Todd Beschell Programs: Laurel Miyashita Garden Coordinator: Marlene Wurfel
Communications Director: VACANT Newsletter Editor: VACANT Website: Marc Pearce Social Media Coordinator: VACANT Graphics and Layout: Lindsay Erickson
secretary@parkallen.ca park@parkallen.ca rink@parkallen.ca soccer@parkallen.ca hall@parkallen.ca hall@parkallen.ca social@parkallen.ca programs@parkallen.ca sustainability@parkallen.ca communications@parkallen.ca newsletter@parkallen.ca webmaster@parkallen.ca newsletter@parkallen.ca graphics@parkallen.ca
Neighborhood Development Director: Jesse Lafrance development@parkallen.ca SCNC Representatives: Donna White & Jarret Orchard uofa@parkallen.ca Civics Representative: Donna White civics@parkallen.ca UACC Representative: Oliver Rossier Transportation: Andrea Anielski transportation@parkallen.ca Housing and Development: Jesse Lafrance housing@parkallen.ca Community Recreations Coordinator: Anna Vesala
anna.vesala@edmonton.ca