Winter 2014
Parkallen News In this issue… • Snow Festival 2015 • Winter Garden • Classified
Happily Ever After by Noga Liron What if you could get a prescription
that it reminds adults that we could
for something that could elevate your
benefit from vitamin “F” as well.
from childhood of waking up early on
mood, reduce stress, improve physical
Nothing beats those times when my
Saturday mornings and playing with
health, strengthen your immune
kids get me into an uncontrollable
my brothers for hours on end. We
system, enhance relationships, and
giggling fit, with tears rolling down my
would put a blanket down in the
make you feel younger without any
eyes. Our bodies are hard-wired to
family room for a “raft” and then float
side effects... would you take it?
physiologically and emotionally
through the jungle down the Amazon
respond to fun, laughter, and joy by
River while having the coolest adven-
remedy for all of the above that
releasing endorphins, the body’s
tures.
requires no prescription, is readily and
natural “feel-good” chemicals.
As it turns out, there is a natural
inexpensively available, doesn’t taste
Kids have had it right all along. They
Personally, I have great memories
Aside from being pleasurable and entertaining, playing and having fun is
bad, and is as easy to administer as
intuitively know they need Vitamin “F”
good for kids... but don’t tell them
child’s play. Call it Vitamin F for “fun.”
to function well. It comes so naturally
that. What’s especially beneficial is
Have you ever noticed how the
to them that they could play and
that old-school variety of play that’s
sound of children laughing or seeing
have fun all day, or at least until a
designed to stimulate a child’s imagi-
the joy on their faces really strikes a
meal or a nap was required to refuel
nation and use their whole body and
chord within us? One of the reasons is
the fun factory.
not just thumbs and fingers flying over
Winter 2014 a keypad or manipulating a joystick. Among the benefits that Vitamin “F” promotes are: • social skills by learning about getting along with others • brain development through the use of imagination and creativity • the promotion of life skills, like problem solving and negotiating • working through emotions and
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Parkallen News
the bottom of our to-do lists and we
attitude to every area of our lives,
end up with a Vitamin “F” deficiency
including work. It’s amazing how even
that we feel in our bones. Not only is
in my line of work of counselling clients
playing and having fun so enjoyable,
who are depressed or going through
it also benefits our health, work,
difficult challenges, playfulness and
relationships, and helps us to:
humour helps the healing process
• deal with stress and prevent burnout
along and makes it more enjoyable. We can also increase our intake of
• energize and experience more vitality
Vitamin “F” by saying yes to games, sharing humour, playing with kids,
learning how to manage them
• improve our physical health
trying something new, setting our
better
• bond with friends, spouses
inhibitions aside, hanging out with
• a sense of well-being and an enjoyment of life • physical development • better attention and focus... as every teacher knows
and co-workers
playful people, laughing at ourselves,
• keep our relationships fresh
tapping into our silly sides, scheduling
• stimulate our minds and
play-dates for ourselves, dancing,
increase productivity levels • fuel our creativity and problem-solving abilities
While playing and having fun is the
• balance out our lives
“business” of childhood, it is not taken seriously enough by us adults. Experi-
getting outside, painting or drawing... basically just following your own joy. Perhaps Bernard Shaw said it best: “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we
So how do we make sure to get
stop playing.”
encing fun and joy is essential to living
enough Vitamin “F” after Saturday
well. In our success-focused culture,
morning trips down the Amazon
Noga Liron is an Edmonton-based
we have been conditioned to value a
become Monday morning’s trek into
certified EMDR therapist, registered
strong work ethic while viewing fun as
the office? We can start by placing
psychologist and happiness coach.
being “unproductive.”
fun higher up on our priority lists and
Learn more at www.nogaliron.com
That’s why playing often ends up at
by choosing to bring a more playful
Parkallen Parks & Rec People Violet Archer Park
Ellingson Park
Named after Canadian composer, teacher and musician Violet (Balestreri) Archer (1913-2000) who joined the University of Alberta Faculty of Music in 1962 after stints teaching music in Montreal and Oklahoma. She retired as chairperson of the U of A’s Theory and Composition Department and was, according to the Canadian Encyclopedia, “respected internationally for her dedication to bringing 20th century classical music to young audiences and for being a leader among women composers.”
Named after Joseph L. Ellingson (1902-1979) who was the first principal of Parkallen School when it opened its doors in 1952. He remained in that post until 1967. After his retirement, members of the Parkallen community requested the park be named in his honour because, according to Naming Edmonton: From Ada to Zoie, of his “years of faithful service given so patiently, so untiringly and with so deep an understanding to our children and community.”
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Parkallen News
Prizes, family fun, and friendly get-together PARKALLEN COMMUNITY CENTRE IN ELLINGSON PARK
Sunday, February 15, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
JOIN US FOR A RIDE IN A ONE HORSE OPEN SLEIGH! SNOW FROLICS
SKATING
(BOTH RINKS)
SLEDGE HOCKEY
(HAVE HELMET, HAVE FUN)
Hosted by your Parkallen Community League. Activities provided by City of Edmonton Staff.
FACE PAINTING
SOCCER REGISTRATION ON SITE
FREE FOOD & DRINKS
Snow Festival volunteers are the best people in the world... or at least in the immediate vicinity. Offer to lend a hand by e-mailing social@parkallen.com.
PLEASE NOTE: Event is weather contingent and will be cancelled if thermometer dips brrrrr-low -22ËšC
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Parkallen News
Cold Hard Cash The weather outside may be frightful, but one thing we can look forward to over the long winter months is the on-ice activities at the Parkallen ice rinks. In order to provide this great recreational environment the following paid positions have to be filled. 1)
Rink Shack Supervisors Responsibilities include: • Be present and responsible during open ice hours as scheduled • Collect money from non-community members using the rinks • Maintain a safe family environment and uphold posted ice rink rules • Be responsible for contacting fellow supervisors or manager in the event that one can not make ones shift
2) Snow/Ice Removers Responsibilities include: • Remove and clear snow and ice chips off of the two outdoor rinks • Remove snow from Parkallen Community Hall sidewalks • Conduct all snow removal outside of regular public rink times and prior to daily opening • Report all damages and unusual incidents in a timely manner Both positions pay $15/hr. In addition, we are looking for volunteers with small engine experience to inspect and help maintain the PCL snow blower and sweeper machines. If you’re interested in any of these opportunities or would like more information, contact Rink Manager Sal Blair at rink@parkallen.ca
Gesëende Kersfees, Prejeme Vam Vesele Vanoce a stastny Novy Rok, Glædelig Ju, Gajan Kristnaskon, Hyvää Joulua, Joyeux Noël, Froehliche Weihnachten, Kala Christouyenna, Mele Kalikimaka, Bada Din Mubarak Ho, Gledileg Jol, Nollaig Shona Dhuit, Buon Natale, Buone Feste Natalizie, Shinnen omedeto, Kurisumasu Omedeto, Sung Tan Chuk Ha, Natale hilare, Linksmu Kaledu, Meri Kirihimete, God Jul, Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia, Feliz Natal, Srozhdestovm Kristovim, Feliz Navidad, Kuwa na Krismasi njema, Maligayang Pasko, Suksun Wan Christmas, Chuc Mung Giang Sinh, Nadolig Llawen Season’s Greetings and a Happy New Year to ... EVERYONE.
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Parkallen News
Good Neighbour Policy Members are sought for a Parkallen Community League Sub-Committee on Planning and Development issues. Responsibilities? To review and respond to planning and development applications affecting the community. Change can be a good thing, including in-fill housing that can be revitalizing and reinvigorating for the entire neighbourhood. But sometimes development permit applications seeking a variance to our mature district may not be in everyone’s best interests, especially those immediately affected by those variances. That’s why it’s important to have individuals with the community as a whole in mind to act as strong advocates for community concerns and to appeal those development permit applications With Dan Skakun
that community members may not
Currently teaching drums for MacEwan University’s degree & diploma programs.
be in accord with.
Teaching private drum lessons for a REALLY LONG TIME (since 1981)! M.A. Aaron Copland School of Music (N.Y.), B. Mus. McGill University...and more! Studio in Parkallen! (780) 436-5024 danskakun@shaw.ca
If you’re interested in participating on this sub-committee to address community concerns about development variances and passing on the pertinent information to Parkallen residents and builders, please contact Leanne Kohn at leannesk@gmail.com.
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Winter 2014
In the Garden
Parkallen News
by Marlene Wurfel
There isn’t a gardening season that I don’t love. Spring is all about digging in, summer’s best for kicking back, and fall is time for harvesting the mighty and the miniscule vegetables produced through our labour of love. Winter, too, has its own rhythm. Whether you’re ready or not frost will tuck your garden’s tail under the snow as the light dims and the gardener is forced to stop, rest, and recover. How thoughtful of the seasons to schedule some down time. Really, I’m not the type who would think of it on my own, so three cheers for the four seasons. And although our gardens may not
be quite as beautiful at rest as they are at play, like the active child who finally goes to sleep after wearing out themselves and their patient parents, how lovely they look when they’re asleep. So rest, relax, enjoy, and get ready for the next growing season that’ll be upon us before we know it. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The Parkallen Community Garden had our Annual Meeting on November 8th and I volunteered to direct the 2015 growing season. As always, we welcome gardeners of all ages and experience to participate in both directed and self-directed gardening
activities at any time of the year. Your comments and ideas are always welcome. If you’d like to get on the PCG mailing list, e-mail sustainability@parkallen.ca. We will host one event a month in which we can connect, have fun, and learn from each other. And don’t miss our what-to-plant session at the Parkallen Hall in April. Also, watch for the chickadees at our bird feeders beside the Community Hall all winter and for signs of life in our nest boxes come spring. Have a lovely winter, Parkallen, and Season’s greetings to all.
Front and Centre Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean your front yard can’t put its best foot forward. Introducing “Front Yards in Bloom: Winterscapes.” Winterscapes is a family-friendly program in which all Edmonton residents, community leagues, businesses and schools can participate. You can nominate your own or someone else’s winterscape for an award by taking a photo and submitting it online or in person this January and February. Submitted nominations will be entered into a Weekly Prize Draw
for some cool prizes. The three categories open for nominations are: • Winter Yard—natural-looking winterscapes featuring landscaped yards with visible plants, snow, wildlife-friendly features and... • Winter Art— creative winter scenes and snow/ice sculptures with plant materials, colour, lights and... • Winter Play—kid-friendly winterscapes with playful features that may include snow slides, snow
forts, tree ornaments, ice art and... Nominations may be submitted online (form available at edmonton.ca/winterscapes beginning January 12, 2015) or dropped off in-person at the three Edmonton Public Library Branches (Castle Downs, Mill Woods, Stanley Milner). For more information e-mail front.yards@edmonton.ca
Beginner Blade Runners Parkallen’s Learn To Skate program is back and, thanks to the City of Edmonton’s program budget, it’s free and requires no advance registration. Two staff will be on hand to provide different levels of instruction and guidance to suit various age groups and/or skill levels.
Running on Thursdays from January 15 through to February 19th, the Parkallen Rink Learn To Skate drop-in sessions are as follows: 2:45 to 3:15 p.m. Preschool (ages 4-6) 3:15 to 4:00 p.m. Child (ages 7-12) 4:00 to 5:45 p.m. All ages and family skate
Own skates and C.S.A. approved helmet required. Program cancelled at -20°C. Other Learn To Skate programs will be running in McKernan on Mondays after school, Lansdowne on Sunday mornings, and Empire Park on Saturday afternoons.
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Parkallen News
Drop off at the Saville Community Sports Centre!
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Parkallen News
Strength in Numbers Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues President Masood Makarechian For the Record by Kim Green Parkallen is one of 157 Edmonton community leagues that comprise the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues. The EFCL was officially founded in 1921 and today employs seven full-time and three part-time staff to support local community leagues in providing recreational and social programming, amenities and civic advocacy. As well as the paid members of the EFCL there are also 12 unpaid board members representing the dozen EFCL districts across the city. (Lindsay Smith represents Parkallen—District H, Greater Strathcona.) All board members are actively involved with their own community leagues and decide amongst themselves who will fulfill what official function on the EFCL board, including the role of president that is currently occupied by Aspen Gardens Community League member, Masood Makarechian. Born in Iran, Masood immigrated to Canada with his family in 1981, the same year 52 American hostages held at the US embassy in his hometown of Tehran for more than 14 months following the 1979 Islamic Revolution were finally released. The Revolution was just one of what he calls the “big changes in Iran at the time that provided the impetus” for his family’s move to Canada when he was 12 years old. Another was the Iran-Iraq war that began in 1980 and would go on for almost another eight years. The family left all that turmoil behind and ended up in Edmonton partly because of the familial connection through Masood’s uncle who was a professor at the University of Alberta. And although he was born in Tehran, Masood says “after 33 years here, I
definitely feel like Edmonton is where I’m from,” a locale he calls “a big city that feels smaller than it is. It has plenty of opportunity like other big cities, but the people here seem more deeply connected to each other.” The father of one—a three-year-old girl—with another child on the way, Masood says he accepted his nomination for EFCL president because “I have a deep passion for the EFCL as an organization, and for the community league movement as a whole.
“What I love most is the opportunity to meet and work with some of the most community-minded people in Edmonton.” As president, Masood is the public voice of the EFCL board, and along with executive director, Allan Bolstad, the voice of the EFCL. “Through the regular board meetings and numerous other recurring and ad hoc meetings, the board governs the EFCL, sets strategic direction, and brings the voices of the wider league movement
to the EFCL table,” he says. Typically, the board meets monthly, only taking a break in August. “In actuality,” Masood says, “we have met way more than 11 times over the last 12 calendar months.” But, in his own words, he wouldn’t have it any other way. “I love long meetings,” he says. “It’s a sure sign of a highly engaged group of citizens.” Those engaged citizens, he says, “involve thousands of Edmonton’s most committed community members in their own neighbourhoods. Without a doubt, this collection of citizens has an impact on our city’s social landscape and its politics every day. To the extent that we can all coordinate and organize our work with the support of the EFCL, we can magnify our effect in the wider community and enhance our voice at City Hall.” Outside of his voluntary advocacy work on behalf of all Edmontonians through the EFCL, Masood says the one thing he’d most like to change about the city is to “turn all the winter haters into winter lovers” where they could, perhaps, meet one frigid afternoon in his favourite placeHawrelak Park. But Parkallen is not far down on his list of congenial places to pass the time. “I LOVE Parkallen,” he says, the “L” word his own capitalization. “From your restaurants, to your wonderful playground, to the amazing friends we have among your neighbours, we are never without an excuse to visit Parkallen.” For more EFCL information go to www.efcl.org
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Winter 2014
Case Study
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Parkallen News
Calling all carpenters
The Parkallen Green Circle Preschool is looking to find someone with the skills and time to build a nature speci-
be in a look-but-don’t-touch environment. Materials would be provided and the actual design
men display case for their classroom. Designed for inquisi-
of the display case is only limited by your imagination and its
tive 3-5 year-olds, it might include drawers the Lilliputians
user-friendliness for the not-too-tall tots who it is intended for.
can reach and open to investigate the animal pelts, small
If you can help or you want more information,
skulls and variety of animal footprint casts contained
contact Angie at randang@shaw.ca or ring the classroom
therein. The thinking is that the kids could touch such
at 780-435-3129.
things as the pelts and footprints, while other items might
Contributions Letters to the editor, profile suggestions, comments, complaints, story ideas, tired old aphorisms that you just have to bring up again and things your mother told you that you now know to be true, send them all and, with space allowing and possible editing for clarity and content, we’ll see if we can’t squeeze them into the Parkallen Newsletter. Send to newsletter@parkallen.ca
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Winter 2014
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Parkallen News
Classified Homebody
Key Notes
Mais Oui
The Sound of Music
Parkallen resident since 1990 and pet/house sitter for 12 years. Will shovel walks, bring in mail, water plants, and take care of pets while you’re away. References available. Michele at 780-434-7871.
French Instructor and Educational Assistant Offering Tutoring Services for all students. Specialty: working with French Immersion Grade School children. Marie-Claire at 780-434-2213 or mcdeom@gmail.com.
Baby-Sitters Club
Responsible Jr. high student available to babysit. Basic first aid knowledge and babysitter’s course training. Also available to pick up mail or water plants. Contact Shen at 780-988-2299 or shenarnett@shaw.ca.
Piano teacher accepting new students of all ages and ability levels. MMus/BMus/BEd, 10-years teaching experience, enjoyable and engaging lessons. Erica at 780-913-4719 or esorense@ualberta.ca.
The Lendrum Church Community Choir presents “Carols of Joy,” a free program of Advent and Christmas music. Sunday, Dec. 14, 10:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. 11210-59 Ave.
Couples Therapy
Blue Sky Counselling offers compassionate therapy for couples using Emotion Focused Therapy. Contact me, Tami Van Peteghen, at theravive.com or call 780-690-2909.
Your Parkallen Community League Executive: Co President: Alex Clifford
president@parkallen.ca
Co President: Leanne Kohn
president@parkallen.ca
Vice President: VACANT Treasurer: Julie Beschell Casino: VACANT Membership: Sandra Stessun
vicepresident@parkallen.ca treasurer@parkallen.ca casino@parkallen.ca membership@parkallen.ca
Secretary: Allison Chevrette
secretary@parkallen.ca
Past President: Nora Begoray
pastpresident@parkallen.ca
Parks & Recreation Director: VACANT Rink: Sal Blair Soccer Coordinator: Meghan Dunnigan Hall Coordinator: Louise Sutherland Social Coordinator: Todd Beschell Programs: Susan Fearnley Community Garden Director: Marlene Wurfel Sustainability Coordinator: Marlene Wurfel Communications Director: VACANT Newsletter Editor: Kim Green Website: Marc Pearce Social Media Coordinator: VACANT Graphics and Layout: Lindsay Erickson
park@parkallen.ca rink@parkallen.ca soccer@parkallen.ca hall@parkallen.ca social@parkallen.ca programs@parkallen.ca sustainability@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 SCNC Representatives: VACANT Civics Representative: VACANT UACC Representative: VACANT Transportation: VACANT Housing and Development: Jesse Lafrance
development@parkallen.ca uofa@parkallen.ca civics@parkallen.ca
Community Recreations Coordinator: Anna Vesala
anna.vesala@edmonton.ca
transportation@parkallen.ca housing@parkallen.ca
www.parkallen.ca