Summer 2013
Parkallen
News In this issue… • Meet your Community League • Hall Happenings • Special Meeting of the Parkallen Executive • Classified
Sculptor Katherine Sicotte with her piece Music Sketch in Ellingson Park.
Seraphim by Katherine Sicotte
Discover the art of Katherine Sicotte in Ellingson Park by Anne Pratt If you’ve been to Ellingson park this summer, you’ve probably noticed the new sculpture installed just north of the league hall. Created by artist Katherine Sicotte, a resident of Parkallen, the sculpture is called Music Sketch and it may look familiar. The piece was installed in 2011 on Jasper
Ave. as part of the Works, Art in Public Spaces program. The full series, Point of View, was a manifestation of Sicotte’s unique, sculptural sense of the female perspective. Katherine Sicotte didn’t want to be a sculptor. She went to art school planning to become a painter; her
instructors encouraged her to consider changing her focus, no doubt impressed with the innate sense of gesture, movement and form inherent in her sculpture today. Sicotte identifies two very different inspirations for her work: nature, and Sir Anthony Caro, a sculptor whose vision and daring
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Summer 2013 Matisse. And it is from that work, Music (Sketch) that she took her title.
changed the way sculpture is made, and presented. She is quick to stay away from any suggestion that she is an activist artist. “I want to make work that is aesthetically pleasing,” she says. “I’m not making a statement, I am making sculpture.” Music Sketch is most certainly aesthetically pleasing. Like Caro, Sicotte places her work at ground level, not distanced from the viewer. The gentle curves move towards and away from each other in a lilting dance, encouraging your eye to explore the space it both inhabits and creates.
steel in a structure that feels light on its toes yet weighty and secure in its form. Music Sketch, as she says “a very female form -- lots of circles and curves.” At one point in the creation of the piece, when she was not sure where to go next, Sicotte recognized in her unfinished work the echoes of a piece she had once seen by Henri
I asked Katherine Sicotte what advice she would give to those who just “don’t get” abstract art. “Look at the work as a whole. Don’t compare it to other ides of what things look like - or what you think is ‘real’,” she advises. “Open your mind to it.” Excellent advice. If you would like to understand this work better, I recommend looking carefully at the Matisse. Then go to the park, open your mind, give yourself the time and permission to truly let this wonderful piece communicate. I promise you won’t regret it. If you’d like to visit Katherine Sicotte’s studio in Parkallen, please email the editor directly at: newsletter@ parkallen.ca
As you walk around the piece and engage with its gestures, you may feel for a moment as though it is your dance partner. Despite the enormous weight, Sicotte has arranged sheets of scrap Object of Desire by Katherine Sicotte
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Parkallen News
The University asks for neighbour’s cooperation while on South Campus land
Dean Spaner, professor and wheat breeder at the University of Alberta and Parkallen resident, tours a group through his wheat breeding yield trials. This summer there are over 30,000 plots, some worth more than $100K. The smallest plot may be only five individual plants, each of them unique. Five to seven thousand of these plots represent individual PhD thesis work.
Did you know that the crops growing at the University of Alberta represent many hundreds of thousands of dollars in research and years of work?
A single dog running off leash can destroy the results of years of painstaking effort. In recent weeks, plants and crops on the farm property have been removed and vegetation disrupted. The University seeks to remind those who take advantage of South Campus lands to respect the integrity of the research taking place by abiding by the following regulations: • Remain on the trails and grass pathways. • Ensure dogs are on their leash at all times. • Do not interfere with any plants or crops. The South Campus research lands are restricted areas and public vehicle access is not permitted. Campus Protective Services are patrolling the premises. Let’s try to ensure that the U keeps its gates open, so we can all enjoy access to the farmlands.
South Campus Neighbourhood Coalition asks for your input. The South Campus Neighbourhood Coalition (SCNC) supports coordinated University and city development within the
greater South Campus Area that builds a visionary campus and fully liveable communities to the benefit of our city and our province The University South Campus (or University Farm) is a large tract of land being developed by the University of Alberta in the core of Edmonton, just south of the main campus. Comprising an area larger in size than the City Centre Airport, proposed development includes residential neigbourhoods, large public recreational facilities, commercial developments, residences, utilities and academic facilities.
The South Campus does not fall within city planning guidelines. The university oversees
and approves its own developments. This results in a reduced requirement to consult and far less reason to coordinate planning beyond the University’s boundaries, significantly reducing the opportunity to develop the greater South Campus Area in a way which contributes to a thriving community, economy and city.
Have your say The SCNC is asking for your input. Go to the website to compete the survey http://www.southcampus.ca/
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Summer 2013
Meet your Community League Why do you volunteer for the Community League?
Todd and Julie Beschell
Todd and Julie Beschell are the first volunteer couple we’ve profiled. Julie answered our five plus one questions this summer. Todd is the incoming Social Coordinator. Julie is the new Treasurer for Parkallen Community League.
Where did you grow up? Todd grew up in Calgary. I grew up in Rotherham, a town of 250,000 residents in the north of England. We met in Edmonton when Todd interviewed me for a job (but didn’t offer me the position!) and we married in the summer of 2011.
When did you move to Parkallen? We moved to Parkallen in August 2012. Previously we lived in downtown Edmonton, but moved to Parkallen to be closer to the elementary school.
What do you like best about this community? It is a community in all aspects and we appreciate how lucky we are to live in such a great area. It is a wonderful place to raise a family, where we have quickly made friends. People in Parkallen genuinely care about their neighbours, and we have been made very welcome as newcomers to the community. And we love the Quirky Art Café!
Who inspires you? Our kids are very inspiring. We have three beautiful children and try to model for them the kinds of people we want them to be when they are adults. That means staying fit and active, helping others, continuing to learn and try new things, and of course, eating our vegetables!
We know the importance of volunteering and believe that it’s a great way to make our community better. You can learn a lot from the opportunities volunteering provides. As well as the Social Coordinator and Treasurer roles we both coached community soccer teams in the summer (U10, U6 and Mighty Mites) and look forward to coaching indoor soccer. I will be helping to run the Parkallen Playgroup from September, and am a member of School Council at Parkallen School. Todd is a member of the board of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and the Project Managers Institute in Edmonton.
Tell us one thing that most people would be surprised to know about you. People would probably be surprised to know that Todd is a comic book fanatic. They might also be surprised to know that even though I left full time education when I was 20 years old, I have 23 letters after my name… Julie Beschell CMA MBA BA ACIB BA BSc DipMFS.
Hall Happenings for September 2013 Parkallen Playgroup Tuesdays 10:00 am -12:00 pm
Parkallen Knitters Wednesdays 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm
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Parkallen News
Leave An Impression!! There’s still time to Leave An Impression!! Parkallen Community League will be adding bricks to the donor recognition area in the playground. Donations will be used to fund maintenance agreements for the upkeep of our newly redeveloped park. As before, small bricks have a maximum of 5 words for a donation of $100, while large bricks have a max 10 words, for a donation of $250. For more information please contact Sonya at 780-435-0631 or skchoy9@gmail.com Deadline October 1, 2013 Please note: There was an error in Sonya’s email information in our last newsletter. If you sent an email and did not receive a reply, please resend. We apologize for the mistake.
Wanted Parkallen Community League is looking for a Casino Coordinator. Please contact vp@parkallen.ca for more details
Saville Community Sports Centre Join a Program Today!
780-492-1000 ◆ www.activityreg.ualberta.ca
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June 2013
Special Meeting of the PCL Executive Wednesday, September 18, 2013 Agenda 5 - 7 PM Time to get your 2013-2014 membership and enter the draw for door prizes 7:00 PM Special Meeting starts. • Approval of the financial statements from 2012/2013 • Approval of the membership fees for 2013/2014 • Approval of the budget for 2013/2014 7:30 PM Guest speaker: Dr. Hundleby from Wellspring Edmonton will join us to talk about the new cancer support centre in our neighbourhood. Designed to be the “best-of-the-best”, Wellspring Edmonton will provide a new beginning for cancer patients, their families and care-givers.
Parkallen Pub Night th
Join us for a night of fun and games with your neighbors. Movie and Music Trivia We will start at 7 p.m. and stop serving at 1 a.m. Anyone wishing to volunteer please email social@parkallen.ca Beer or Wine just $5 Parkallen Community League Hall
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Parkallen News
YOUR HOME FOR CHORAL EXCELLENCE • Award winning organization • Professional conductors • Travel locally, nationally, internationally • Variety of musical styles Junior Choirs - Ages 6-12 Boys' & Girls' Choirs - Ages 12-15 Youth Choir - Ages 15-24
REGISTER NOW FOR NEXT SEASON Contact us for more information about our choir programs info@EdmontonYouthChoir.ca www.EYCC.ab.ca | 780-994-6539
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Summer 2013
Health and Relaxation for the Whole Family, right in Parkallen gynecology, and reproductive medicine. We consider it a privilege to help women manage unique challenges, from PMS to menopause; from conception to labour and beyond.
When you live in Parkallen, health and well-being can be found right in your backyard at Whole Family Health. Located at 6523 111 St. NW, Whole Family Health is a Parkallen gem that offers holistic healing practices to calm your mind and body, leaving you feeling healthier, more energetic, and with a renewed sense of vitality. Our warm, welcoming clinic offers a range of services, including massage, yoga, acupuncture, and cupping. Our highly trained acupuncturists and massage therapists are passionate about actively improving the health of your whole family. We offer a place where any member of the
community can enjoy the occasional massage, take a yoga class in a small-group setting, or embark on a journey towards your best health possible and a life you love living. The number of health conditions we can help with is virtually limitless. Whether you’re looking for relaxation and rejuvenation, want to lose weight, or are dealing with more serious health conditions, including chronic pain, insomnia, digestive disorders, arthritis, we can help with these and many others. Members of our team also have post graduate training in pediatrics, obstetrics,
Clinic founder Cecil Horwitz and the rest of our team are committed to the Parkallen and Edmonton communities and to sharing our knowledge to help others. Some Whole Family Health practitioners teach at MacEwan University and the University of Alberta and, we are very excited to be taking part in a groundbreaking integrative medicine trial for pediatric oncology, the Pediatric Integrative Medicine program at the Stollery Children’s Hospital. Through this program, we will help children who have undergone cancer treatment, making them more comfortable and freeing up their bodies’ energy so it can be directed toward healing. So the next time you’re feeling under the weather or stressed out, stop in for a visit. With Whole Family Health right in your neighbourhood, you can practically roll out of bed, stroll over for a professional massage, and enjoy the rest of your day feeling great!
Whole Family Health 6523 111 St. NW 780.756.7736 wholefamilyhealth.ca
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Parkallen News
Calling all Parkallen Tots! We want to know what you want from your Parkallen Playgroup! Join our facebook group and let us know your thoughts! https://www.facebook. com/ParkallenPlaygroup We meet regularly at the Community Hall on Fridays between 1 pm - 3 pm. New members are welcome. It is a great way to make new friends and it is lots of fun! For more information about the Parkallen Playgroup call Julie at 587-520-2878.
2013/2014 Community Memberships Starting mid September, our team of dedicated Community Volunteers will be hitting the streets of Parkallen to offer residents the opportunity to purchase a 2013/2014 Parkallen Community Membership. Please be prepared to welcome your friendly neighbourhood volunteer anytime between September 16 - October 18th! The cost of a membership is $35.00 per family or $10 per senior/student. If you do not hear from a volunteer canvasser, we may be short on volunteers for your street... and could use YOUR help! If you can spare a few hours and would enjoy meeting your neighbours, please contact Sandra at membership@parkallen.ca to volunteer to complete a membership canvassing route in your area! If you get missed, or require a membership sooner than our campaign drive, please go to our website, www.parkallen.ca to complete your membership request! You can also purchase your community membership online at www.efcl.org Or call Sandra @ 780-988-8119. Thank you for supporting the community of Parkallen, Sandra Stessun Janet Mayhew (Membership Committee)
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Summer 2013
Giant vegetables delight young and old in the Parkallen Community Garden extraordinarily rich, loamy earth. The PCG is located in a sunny south-facing spot, features a self-watering design with swales dug into the garden’s gentle slope, and uses a notill approach. To learn more about permaculture visit http://parkallensprouts.org/ permaculture/
Six year old Zev poses with Maxine
“It would be the giant pumpkin,” says six-year-old Zev when asked to name his favourite thing in the Parkallen Community Garden (PCG) . Zev started the pumpkin, a variety called big max, at home about a month before transplanting it into the community garden this spring. Now the pumpkin, named Maxine, weighs “at least 80 pounds” according to Zev, “or, better make that 88. Big enough to make 20-58 pies.” Converting that to metric, we’re talking a 36-40 kg pumpkin
here. And Zev figures it will get bigger. “It has one more month even to grow. Maybe it will get as big as a picnic table.” What is the secret to growing giant vegetables? Healthy soil and permaculture technique. The gardeners added plenty of organic matter when creating the garden’s soil by sheet-mulching on top of the pre-existing grass. Layers of cardboard, straw and compost were watered in to build soil. Sheet-mulching produced
JAZZ – BALLET – HIP HOP – CREATIVE TAP – LYRICAL – CONTEMPORARY PERFORMING COMPANY
at Brookside, Grandview Heights, McKee & Westbrook Schools
www.etudesdancestudio.com
(780) 436 - 5610
(780) 893 – 7799
The Parkallen Community Garden welcomes visitors and new-gardeners yearround. Send an e-mail to sustainability@parkallen.ca if you’re interested in joining the group. The PCG is a place to learn, connect, recharge and to find something tasty as an added bonus. Junior gardeners can register year-round at www.parkallensprouts.org for casual, free, kid-centered garden workshops and work bees.
Save the date for the Parkallen Community Garden’s annual Harvest Potluck at Parkallen Community Hall, Sunday, October 6 2013 at 6 p.m.
Northern River Yoga and Karate School Enjoy a non-competitive, nurturing environment. Gain strength, health and self-defense skills. - YAA Certified Yoga instructor - Elite, 6th degree Karate instructor visit: threebattles.com phone: (780) 707-3693
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Parkallen News
Have you heard?! Parkallen Community is now on Facebook! Stay up-to-date with neighbourhood happenings: • • • • • • •
Events Construction Community Meetings Local Business News Groups and Activities Membership Updates PLUS easy access to our online newsletter!
Stay in the loop! “Like” Parkallen Community today
Now offering classes in Bellydance, Shimmy & Strength, Tai Chi and Yoga. Registered 10 week sessions and drop in classes available.
What are you waiting for? School of Raq
Bellydance Studio 10426 - 81 Avenue (downstairs) 780 761 0727 info@schoolofraq.com www.schoolofraq.com
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Wanted Volunteer to manage movie nights Please contact vp@parkallen.ca for more details
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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 your lawn mowed, or snow shoveling this winter call the Andison kids (Elan, Eiden and Daylan plus Rhen) all for hire, if one is busy the other may not be. Call 780-438-2120
Your Parkallen Community League Executive:
President: Nora Begoray
Vice President: Leanne Kohn
Treasurer: Julie Beschell Casino: VACANT Membership: Sandra Stessun & Janet Mayhew
Secretary: Allison Chevrette
secretary@parkallen.ca
Past President: Alex Clifford
pastpresident@parkallen.ca
Parks & Recreation Director: Meghan Dunnigan Rink: Sal Blair Soccer Coordinator: Meghan Dunnigan Hall Coordinator: VACANT Hall Maintenance: VACANT Social Coordinator: Todd Beschell Programs: Laurel Miyashita Garden Coordinator: James Goldman
Communications Director: Anne Pratt Newsletter Editor: Anne Pratt Website: Marc Pearce Social Media Coordinator: VACANT Graphics and Layout: Lindsay Erickson
Neighborhood Development Director: Jesse Lafrance SCNC Representatives: Donna White & Jarret Orchard Civics Representative: Donna White UACC Representative: VACANT Transportation: VACANT Housing and Development: Jesse Lafrance
Community Recreations Coordinator: Michael Goth
president@parkallen.ca vicepresident@parkallen.ca treasurer@parkallen.ca casino@parkallen.ca membership@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 development@parkallen.ca uofa@parkallen.ca civics@parkallen.ca transportation@parkallen.ca housing@parkallen.ca michael.goth@edmonton.ca