Annual bird count
Page 4-5
Get fit in 2014
Lillian Osborne
celebrates
Page 19
Page 12
A publication of the Riverbend Community League
jan/FEB 2014
Happy New Year!
The Ridge hosts spectacular fireworks display
VOL. 31, NO.4
Three
cheers for
winter
Riverbend’s Winterfest
celebrates the season
Ragg-Times staff
B
y the time February rolls around, most of us are
tired of shoveling our driveways and clomping
around in knee-high Sorels.
But winter is about more than frostbite and long
underwear. “There are so many things you can enjoy
during the wintertime,” says Sue Trigg, organizer of
the Riverbend Community League’s annual Family
Winter Festival.
Wintertime also means cross-country skiing,
tubing, snow-shoeing, bannock-making or riding in a
horse-drawn sleigh – all of which will be on the agenda
at this year’s festival, in James Ramsey Park. This year’s
event will be held on Feb.9, from 1-4 p.m., but Trigg
advises arriving early if the sleigh ride is a top priority:
“The horses can get worn out early,” she says. “And
when they’re done, they’re done.”
In previous years, the free event has drawn between
500 and 1,500 people. Weather can influence the
turnout, but the event is never cancelled. A few years
ago, when there wasn’t any snow on the ground,
organizers found activities that wouldn’t require snow
– like team tug-of-wars. “If you’ve got something
planned, you can’t let the weather interfere,” says Trigg.
After taking part in some of the outdoor activities,
guests can warm up with hot chocolate and refuel
with BBQ fare or bannock. There are also door prizes
chosen with both adults and kids in mind.
This is the 11th year of the event, which is cosponsored by Snow Valley. The event is also supported
by the City of Edmonton, which donates equipment for
many of the outdoor sports and the bannock making.
Volunteers are a critical part of the event and Trigg
is still on the hunt for helpers during the event and
a vehicle large enough to transport BBQs to and
from the site. If you can help, please contact Iryna at
shkodka@yahoo.ca or Elizabeth at 780- 437-7108.
See P.9 for more (Photo:Taylor Bradshaw)
SPECIAL THANKS TO
SNOW VALLEY
FOR SUPPORTING www.riverbendonline.ca
Making Winter Fun for 65 Years
SNOWVALLEY.CA
news bites
News bites
Caitlin Crawshaw
Teacher faces charges
EDITOR: Caitlin Crawshaw
raggtimes@riverbendonline.ca
ADVERTISING: Elizabeth Emslie
ads@riverbendonline.ca
780-437-7108
www.riverbendonline.ca
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTIONPAGE
News bites
2
Neighbourhood Watch
3
Riverbend4-7
Community League News
8-9
Living Local
10
Education
11-16
Savour
17
Wellness
19-22
Pets
23
TRAC
24
Seniors
25
Classifieds
26
Community League Directory
27
Finance
29
Politician’s Corner
30-31
The opinions expressed in this publication may not
necessarily be those of the publisher. No part of
this publication may be reprinted without the written
permission of the publisher.
** Ads Printed as Submitted **
Thank you,
Ragg delivery volunteers!
Bennett Calverly
Jean, Scott & Daniel Boyle
Jim Bradshaw
Leslie Leeworthy
Daryl Matter
Sean McConnell
Karin & Shannen Shott
Sabine Sintenis
Leanne Stevens
Shelly Stevens
Mary Wagner
Helma Voth
David Stevens
Joan Wood
Joan Sherman
Correction
In the last issue (Nov/Dec 2013)
we misspelled the name of Famoso
Neopolitan Pizzeria in our cover story.
We are very sorry for the error.
2012
2012
Pint-sized hockey players descend on TCRC
Hundreds of kids laced up their skates for a Minor
Hockey Week at TCRC in mid-January. In its 51st
year, the city tournament is an important part of the
local hockey scene. The tournament was attended by
539 teams from the Edmonton area who played 771
games at 23 rinks. An army of volunteers (about 3,200
people) and donated referee services (at a value of
about $40,000) made the event possible.
Attacks in Terwillegar Towne continue
Since November, three women have been attacked
in Terwillegar Towne. In the first incident, a girl was
pushed to the ground after getting off a bus after
school on Nov .8. In the second, a 16-year-old girl was
jumped from behind near a convenience store after
school on Jan.9. In the latest incident, on Jan. 14, a
29-year-old woman was walking home from work in
the evening when she was grabbed from behind and
thrown to the ground. In all three cases, a struggle
ensued before the suspect left. The suspect is about 5
ft. 8 in height and was wearing dark clothing, black
gloves and possibly a balaclava during the most recent
attack.
The Terwillegar Community Recreation Centre. (Photo: City
of Edmonton)
gold-plated kitchen appliances and a 1,000-litre
freshwater aquarium in the kitchen? Look no
further. A 7,500-square foot, two-storey estate at
5620 Whitemud Road could be yours for just $12.5
million. If the home sells for this price, it will set a real
estate sales record for Edmonton. Listed just before
Christmas, the home is just a few doors down from
the former house of philanthropists Sandy and Cecile
MacTaggart, which was donated to the University of
Alberta in late 2010.
Riverbend school donates backpacks
With backpacks in hand, dozens of students from
George H. Luck Elementary School paid a special visit
to the Boyle Street homeless shelter downtown. In each
of the 470 backpacks, students had stuffed 12 different
items (in honour of the “Twelve days of Christmas”)
to make a homeless person’s life a little bit easier. Items
included underwear, facial tissue, soap, gloves, toques
and other comforts. Since 2007, students have filled
3,725 “backpacks of luck” for people at Boyle Street.
New Catholic school for Windermere
City reviews options for trails
A new elementary and junior high school in
Windermere is one of six new schools planned in
Alberta. The school will be located on the northeast
corner of a plot of land near Windermere Road and
Windermere Boulevard. When completed, it will serve
as many as 750 students. While the new school will
help deal with over-crowding in area schools, critics
argue that it won’t solve the problem.
Recently, the city approved the construction of a new
footbridge linking Terwillegar Park and the north bank
of the river, and the development of 5-km, 3-metrewide trails in the river valley. At the moment, the city
is considering redeveloping the established natural
trails in the Terwillegar and Oleskiw neighbourhoods.
However, these are frequently used by hiking and
cycling enthusiasts who aren’t keen to lose them.
If you’d like to contribute to the conversation,
please contact Rob Marchak at rob.marchak@
edmonton.ca or 780-442-1377, or get in touch with
your city councillor.
Riverbend home could set real estate record
Looking for a home with geothermal heating,
Free Home Evaluations
Buying or Selling? Call Me TODAY!
2012
2010
Terwillegar Towne
A local teacher – Christopher Herodek – is facing
sexual assault charges after allegedly touching two
girls who swam past him at Terwillegar Community
Recreation Centre (TCRC). Just before Christmas, the
two victims were swimming in the lazy river at the rec
centre when a lifeguard noticed a man with goggles
looking at the girls underwater. While Edmonton
Public Schools wouldn’t disclose which school the
accused taught at, a 2012 staff directory for T.D. Baker
School in Mill Woods listed Herodek as a teacher.
Windermere
780-298-8804
Magrath Heights
Langdale
DiDi
WWW.Didi-Sells.com
Rasmussen
Generously Donating to:
SOLD! For 96% of list
SOLD! For 99% of list
Walk Out Lot with View $934,800
RE/MAX Real Estate Centre—Each office independently owned and operated
In Law Suite $559,800
Not intended to cause or induce breach of, cancellation of, assignment of, or to interfere in any way with the existing agency agreement of another brokerage
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JAN/FEB 2014
RE/MAX Real Estate Centre
14717 40 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T6R 1N1
Office: 780-438-7000
FAX:780-403-7283
neighbourhood watch
Take precautions when walking alone
These safety tips may help you avoid becoming a victim
Carol Kaiser
Neighbourhood Watch
A
fter the recent assaults that have occurred in
Terwillegar, the Edmonton Police Service
(EPS) is encouraging residents to be aware
of their surroundings at all times. By following these
safety suggestions, you may avoid becoming a victim.
Walk home with a friend: There is safety in
numbers. Whenever possible, avoid walking alone.
Have a “worst-case scenario” plan of action:
The best defense against an attack is awareness and
having a plan of action. Consider role-playing at home
with friends or family.
Be visible to others: Avoid dark or hidden trails,
short cuts through secluded areas or back alleys
and lanes that are not well-travelled. A well-lit path
in a well-populated area is your safest route to any
destination, even if it may take longer.
Be prepared: Carry a cell phone for a 9-1-1
emergency.
Stay alert: Avoid making calls while walking or
wearing headphones. This isolates you from your
surroundings and you will appear distracted making it
very easy for an attacker to surprise you.
Check in: Let friends, family or even a neighbour
know where you are going and when you are expected
to return.
Walk the walk: Posture can make all the difference in
how a potential attacker perceives you. By walking tall,
and keeping your head up you look more confident.
If you are looking down, you may appear distracted or
(Photo: iStock)
afraid and are more likely to become a target.
Pack light: Avoid struggling or loading yourself down
with bags and parcels whenever possible. Multiple
bags can prevent a quick reaction should a dangerous
situation arise.
Act quickly: If you think you are being followed,
quickly assess your options. Can you run or change
directions? Can you head to an open store, restaurant
or a lighted home? Follow your gut feelings! If someone
gives you a bad feeling, turn and tell them to leave you
alone and then walk away.
Keep keys handy: Have your keys ready in your
hands or inside your pocket to avoid fumbling when
arriving at your door.
for the time, directions or to assist in looking for a
lost pet, keep a safe distance when speaking to them.
Never approach a strange vehicle.
Carry a whistle on your key chain: Use it to draw
attention if you should be attacked.
Make a scene: If you are under attack, yell! Keep
yelling! Yell as loud as you can, scream, be noisy, and
bring as much attention to your situation as possible.
This may spook off the attacker, allowing you to escape.
Report any assaults to EPS at 780-423-4567 or
#377 from a mobile phone.
Carol Kaiser is the Neighbourhood Watch District
Representative and Riverbend TRAC Security Chair
Keep a safe distance: If someone approaches you
Meet our new board member
Mary Lou Sedgwick is Riverbend Community League’s new vice-president
Q: What motivated you to get involved with
the executive this year?
Q: Do you volunteer for any other organizations?
Officially? No. Unofficially, I help out at my kids’
schools whenever I can. Honestly, I’m more than
happy with just one volunteer role right now as I want
the time and flexibility to jump into the vice-president
role with both feet.
Community and volunteering were instilled in me
when I was young. My parents led a community league
in my hometown of Drumheller, Alta., for many years.
Before I was out of diapers, I was part of the weekly
bingos and monthly pancake breakfasts at the local
hall. As I grew, my role in the community league grew
too. Today, in my hometown, there is a bursary given
in my Dad’s name to a graduating high school student
who is an active volunteer in the community.
I have always admired the great events that
Riverbend Community League hosts and the
community contributions the organization makes. I
wanted to be part of it somehow. This year, the stars
have aligned for me to be in a position to contribute.
Q: What are some of your goals or hopes for
the year?
This is my year of learning. In this role, I simply plan
to be a sponge and soak up the knowledge and wisdom
that other members of the board can share. We are
fortunate to have several loyal, long-term volunteers
in the Riverbend Community League who bring a
rich dynamic to the board. I am hoping to be their
figurative shadow this year.
Q: How long have you lived in Riverbend?
What brought you here?
Q: What does volunteering mean to you?
(Photo: Allison Anderson)
Riverbend is the first neighbourhood I lived in when
I moved to Edmonton 16 years ago. At the time, the
central location and access to the river valley appealed
to me. While those features are what drew me here,
the wonderful people, quality schools and overall
great community are what keep me in Riverbend.
Q: What is your favourite spot in the
neighbourhood?
I am fortunate to see much of our neighbourhood
through the eyes of my children. With that in mind,
some of my favourite spots are our great playgrounds,
particularly the ones at James Ramsay Park and
Brander Gardens School. I also carry much love for
the Brookside toboggan hill and any of the paved trails
where my family can go for a bike ride.
Volunteering is very fulfilling. It is a great opportunity to
meet new people, grow both professionally and personally,
and to make a contribution where we live, work or play.
Q: What is your ‘day job’?
My primary job is Mom (chef, nurse, driver, teacher,
etc.) to my children. Aside from that, I am lucky to
also work in the neighbourhood at Music Together
of the Northern Lights, which is an early music and
movement program for children 0-6 and the grownups who love them. In addition, I do some behindthe-scenes work with my husband, Steve Sedgwick, in
our real estate business.
Q: How do you like to spend your down time?
I love spending time with my family. On the weekends,
we try to get outside when the weather is nice to enjoy
a walk or take out the toboggans. When it is cold, we
are usually cuddled together watching a family movie
or playing either Beyblades, Barbies or board games.
WWW.RIVERBENDONLINE.CA
3
riverbend
Riverbenders participate in annual bird count
Results show large discrepencies in populations
John Chapman
A
s the time for this year’s Edmonton Christmas
Bird Count approached, we experienced
record-breaking snow in November, brutal
cold temperatures in early December and, as a final
insult, the evening before the count day a freezing
rainstorm. The going did not look good for the count!
Bird numbers had been sparse for several weeks, so we
were prepared to make the best of it. But Sunday, Dec.
15 dawned cool but clear, and it resolved into the best
birding day in several weeks.
The Edmonton Christmas
Bird Count, an annual event
organized by the Edmonton
Nature Club, gives a
snapshot...of the birds in any
one location at a set time of
the year
This year, we had 11 bush beaters and 41 feeder
watchers participating in our zone of the Edmonton
count. It was clear there were high expectations to try
to equal the high counts from our zone of previous
years. As it turned out, we excelled. In spite of the
grim predictions, we managed to hit a respectable 27
species, although generally the total numbers were
lower than most years.
The Edmonton Christmas Bird Count, an annual
event organized by the Edmonton Nature Club, gives
a snapshot, in a standardized manner, of the birds
in any one location at a set time of the year. Counts
take place on a selected day for a period surrounding
Christmas day. In the Edmonton area, there were 11
counts between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5, 2014.
Edmonton is just one of more than 400 individual
count locations across Canada (and many more in
North America) that participate in a bird count at
this time of year. Canada has been collecting data
for 111 years and Edmonton has taken part in the
last 65 counts. At the moment, the city holds the
Clockwise from top left: Raven, Downey Woodpecker, American Robin, Rock Pigeon, Common Redpoll, Northern
Flicker, and Sparrow. (Photos: John Chapman)
North American record for the highest number of
participants in a count.
Sunday’s good weather brought forth good numbers
of birds, both in the species count and surprisingly
in the overall number. In our zone, the 27 different
species counted was a little lower than previous years.
However, the total count of 2847 individual birds
was well over last year’s count of 2,581. From year
to year, there can be considerable variation in the
numbers of some species, although the total number
of birds counted remains relatively constant and this
year was no exception. In the total Edmonton count,
there were lower numbers of Bohemian Waxwings
this year (3,891) compared to last year (4,652). Cedar
Waxwings were higher with 52, up from 16 in 2012.
House Finches continue to increase in numbers
C
g
bratin
ele
1994 - 2014
Open House
St. Monica School
14710 – 53 Ave.
Ph. 780 436-7888
www.stmonica.ecsd.net
Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at 6:30 p.m.
Meeting in the gym followed by a school tour
Pre-kindergarten Program - “100 Voices”
Kindergarten & Grade 1

100 Voices is for children who will be 4 years old on or before March 1, 2015 and 5 for Kindergarten

All children in the community are welcome

Catholic Faith based learning

Certified teacher & qualified, experienced classroom facilitator

Multi-cultural focus - Language Interpreters as required

“Reggio Inspired” philosophy

Fees may apply

Rich literacy and oral language opportunities

Family/Parent Programs

Services include a multi-disciplinary team that consists
RCNS is celebrating 20 years of serving our community
and we want to hear from our ALUMNI!
Email us a picture of your graduate and tell us WHERE THEY ARE NOW!
Email pictures to 20YearAnniversary@rcnschool.com. Pictures will be posted to our website.
of an Early Learning Consultant, Speech-Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist,
4
Ad
dB h
JAN/FEB 2014
i
S
i li
P
h l
i
F
WHERE ARE
THEY NOW?
il S h
l Li i
S
i
You are invited to the 20th Anniversary Family Fun Event on May 24th, 2014 from 1 pm to 4 pm
Visit www.rcnschool.com for more information
riverbend
Clockwise from top left: Hawk Owl, Black-Billed
Magpie, Bohemian Waxwing, Pine Siskin, House Finch,
White-Breasted Nuthatch and Red-Breasted Nuthatch.
(Photos: John Chapman)
each year. They were considered a rare species as little
as 10 years ago, but last year’s count set an Edmonton
record at 879 and this year the number continued
the increase to 992. Another species that is showing
an ongoing increase in numbers is the Common
Raven. A new Edmonton record of 1,038 is recorded
following last year’s record of 879. There were also
some dramatic declines this year: only 441 Mallards
(down from 1476 last year), 40 Common Golden eyes
(90 last year), 98 Common Redpolls (2066 last year)
and six Pine Grosbeaks (341 last year) were counted.
In our zone, we came up with good numbers
of Black-capped Chickadees (707) and Downy
Woodpeckers (85). In fact, our count of Downy
Woodpeckers was the record number ever counted
in any Edmonton zone. The highly respectable
numbers counted in our zone this year are due to
the continued availability and diligence of feeder
watchers. As much of our natural habitat is being
rapidly lost to development, it is the enthusiasm
and dedication of the number of volunteer feeder
watchers that enable us to ensure a consistent and
accurate count each year.
This year, the Edmonton Count recorded only
48 species, a big drop from the 63 species counted
in our 2005 record year, and lower than last year’s
total of 62 species. In spite of the low total count,
across the city we continued to see large numbers of
Black Capped Chickadees (4,450), House Sparrows
(4,815), Rock Pigeons (3,739), Black Billed
Magpies (2,608), Common Ravens (1,038) and
Blue Jays (687).
I would like to thank all of the participants from
zone four that participated this year. It is a pleasure
to have such a willing and keen group of enthusiasts.
If you were not able to take part in the 2013 count
and would like to be involved in 2014, contact me
and I will put you on the mailing list for next year.
John Chapman is an area resident and zone captain for
the Edmonton Christmas Bird Count. He can be reached
at (780) 436-6598 or johncchapman@shaw.ca.
WWW.RIVERBENDONLINE.CA
5
Riverbend
Staying healthy in Riverbend
From fitness studios to acupuncturists, neighbourhood wellness services abound
Dawn Schrieber
W
hether you’re looking for a place for the
kids to run around or treatment for that
nagging back pain, wellness amenities are
just around the corner in Riverbend and Terwillegar.
The area offers a wide range of health-related businesses,
including physical therapists, fitness centres, massage
clinics, and more. Here are a few of the area’s offerings.
We’re fighting to bring it
back and I think people are
starting to notice.”
adjustments, active release therapy, acupuncture,
massage therapy, and myofascial cupping, all delivered
in an atmosphere that is both comforting and discrete.
Riverbend Athletic Club
5637 Riverbend Rd
780-438-4610
Innovation Physical Therapy Inc
www.riverbendathleticclub.com
528 Riverbend Square
Riverbendathleticclub@gmail.com
780-401-9650
innovationphysio.com/facilities/riverbend
For 30 years the Riverbend Athletic Club (RAC) has
been providing members with a place to get fit and
have fun doing it, but it’s no secret that the club has
changed over the years. However, if current Manager
Ibraham Elserafy has his way, it will be even better.
When Elserafy was hired as manager of the RAC
two years ago, the club was steadily losing members.
At the peak of its popularity, RAC once boasted 1,000
members; in recent years, it’s dropped to about 300350. But this certainly isn’t for lack of services: the
club has five squash courts, a fully equipped fitness
area, and a 20-meter pool. The RAC is also home
to a number of tenants, including: Premium Pub,
Bollywood Beats, Outside the Box Fitness, Paul Sadler
Swimland, and Edmonton Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Members
can take part in organized aerobics and yoga classes,
and have access to a full range of cardio equipment
such as treadmills, ellipticals, and bikes.
Since joining the club, Elserafy – a squash coach
who hails from Egypt – has been working hard to
boost the RAC’s membership. Because the facility’s
squash courts are a major draw, he helped organize
a squash exhibition match last year. “People were so
happy,” he says, noting that nearly 500 people came
out to the event. He hopes to hold a similar event
this year.
But Elserafy hasn’t forgotten the little things. He’s
constantly cleaning and maintaining the club and is
looking to acquire new workout machines for member
use. “The [club] is busy,” he says. “We’re fighting to
bring it back and I think people are beginning to
notice.”
Although Elserafy sees a long road ahead, he is
proud of the progress and changes he has seen in a
short time.
Riverbend Athletic Club Manager Ibraham Elserafy
plays squash at a recent tournament hosted at the club
(Photos: Supplied).
Riverbend Community Centre
258 Rhatigan Road East
Office: #205, 11525 23 Avenue NW
(Taylor Campus)
Mail: Box 21129, Edmonton, T6R 2V4
Phone: 780-438-5350
info@amblesidebaptist.ca
www.amblesidebaptist.ca
Affiliated with the
Baptist General Conference of Canada
6
JAN/FEB 2014
Absolute Chiropractic
424 Riverbend Square
Riverbend Therapeutic: Massage Centre
780-438-2229
202-596 Riverbend Square
780-613-0388
www.riverbendtherapeuticmassage.com
Riverbend Therapeutic opened in 1997 and currently
has six Certified Massage Therapists on staff, including
graduates from Grant MacEwan University and M.H.
Vicars School of Massage. They provide many varieties
of massage, including hot stone (jade) massage, chair
massage, and sports massage.
Located in Riverbend Square, Absolute Chiropractic is
the office of local chiropractor Dr. John Yun. Yun has
been running the business for almost two years, but
has lived in Riverbend since 1988 and considers the
community home. The saying at Absolute Chiropractic
is “We keep you aligned,” and the business provides
both chiropractic and massage services, focusing in
particular on posture and sports injuries.
Paul Sadler Swimland
Riverbend Chiropractic & Wellness
5637 Riverbend Rd
608 Riverbend Square
780-800-5505
780-433-1450
www.paulsadlerswimland.com
Facebook: Riverbend Chiropractic and Wellness
Riverbend Chiropractic and Wellness offers many
options for pain relief. These include chiropractic
Welcomes
You
Meeting in
The staff at Innovation Physical Therapy will work
with you to assess and develop a custom recovery
plan that suits your needs. The business is located on
the main floor of Riverbend Square to allow for ease
of access for patients with impaired mobility. It has
also invested in eight electric tables to accommodate
patients who may have difficulty getting up onto
stationary tables.
Sunday Morning Schedule
10:00–Morning Worship
10:20–Children’s Bible Hour
Nursery Provided
Come worship God with our
multicultural congregation
Pastor Robert Sandford
Paul Sadler Swimland (PSS) boasts small class sizes,
hands-on teaching techniques and well-trained
instructors. All swimming lessons are delivered only by
instructors who are PSS trained, incorporating World
Riverbend Dental Clinic
Dr. Wayne E. Hackman, B.Sc., D.D.S.
Dr. Wayne E. Hackman
Dentist
Hours of Operation
Monday
Tuesday & Friday
Wednesday
Thursday
Every 2nd Saturday
1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Suite 200, 5651 Riverbend Road
Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5K4
Phone (780) 435-3555
Riverbend
There’s plenty for children and parents to do at
the Terwillegar Community Recreation Centre.
(Photo: Supplied)
Momentum Spine and Physiotherapy
Jeff of the Brookview Massage & Acupuncture Centre.
(Photo: Supplied)
5108 Mullen Road NW
Brookview Massage & Acupuncture Centre
780-989-8864
364 Bulyea Rd
A client works out at Infinite Fitness. (Photo: Supplied)
www.mssphysio.com/
780-988-8020
Aquatics Swimming Instructor accreditation and
resuscitation certification. While the pool operates out
of the Riverbend Athletic Club, families do not have to
be a member of the club to enrol in the swim program.
Momentum Spine and Physiotherapy’s highlytrained therapists provide treatment that reduces pain
and inflammation, increases range of motion, and
improves posture, strength and body mechanics. The
clinic’s three experienced physiotherapists can treat
everything from whiplash to tendonitis.
A home-spun business with a relaxing atmosphere,
Brookview Massage and Acupuncture caters to a
small but loyal customer base. They offer a variety of
massage techniques (therapeutic, Chinese, deep tissue
and relaxation), as well as reflexology, acupuncture,
and both tonic and Chinese herbs.
Terwillegar Community Recreation Centre
Terwillegar Wellness Centre
2051 Leger Rd NW
14259 23 Ave NW
780-442-5311
780-433-0686
Liv.it: Personal Fitness and Lifestyle
Magrath Blvd in Riverbend
780-952-8236
In Stitches Quilt Studio
www.livitfit.ca
www.twcedmonton.com/
Lisa Clark
Liv.it is a Longarm
personal training
company
based in
Quilting
Services
Riverbend. offers clients the option of completely
private training experiences, as well as group classes
614 Hunters
ClosetoNW
and bootcamps.
In addition
weight training and
Edmonton, AB T6R 2W2
cardio fitness, the boutique fitness studio helps clients
780-249-3800 780-914-6284
with nutrition,
too.
scrapqwn@shaw.ca
A family-oriented space with everything you’d expect
from a recreational centre. Here you’ll find an extensive
aquatic area, three full-sized gymnasiums, four ice
arenas, a senior’s lounge and children’s wing (including
an indoor playground). After breaking a sweat, fuel-up
at the Second Cup or DQ Orange Julius.
Located in the Heart of Terwillegar Towne, The
Terwillegar Wellness Centre combines the services of
a chiropractor, massage therapist, and acupuncturist
all under one roof. Their mandate is one of pain relief,
from back pain to carpal tunnel.
Infinite Fitness
Rejuvenation Health
Orange Theory Fitness
1-2051 Leger Road
484 Riverbend Square
780-431-9623
954-530-6903
www.rejuvenationhealth.ca
www.orangetheoryfitness.com
Rejuvenation Health, located in the Terwillegar
Recreation Centre, offers treatment for a
comprehensive list of ailments, including: sports
injuries, skin disorders, and chronic pain. The clinic’s
practitioners use a variety of treatment methods,
such as physiotherapy, advanced pain therapy, and
traditional Chinese medicine.
Orange Theory’s workout program is broken into
intervals of cardiovascular and strength training,
using a variety of equipment including treadmills,
rowing machines and free weights. This is one of the
newest health facilities in the neighbourhood, but
the business is actually a chain with locations across
North America.
institchesquiltstudio.blogspot.com
14217 23 Avenue NW
In Stitches Quilt Studio
780-435-7111
www.Infinitefit.ca
Lisa Clark
Longarm
Services
Situated in the
Shoppes Quilting
of Terwillegar
Gardens, this
boutique fitness studio is run by Tristan and Jessica
Zapata, who 614
haveHunters
over 20Close
yearsNW
of experience in the
fitness industry.
The
business
offers
Edmonton, AB T6R 2W2personal training,
group fitness,780-249-3800
Pilates classes780-914-6284
and other services. Unlike
other gyms, ifscrapqwn@shaw.ca
you don’t show up for a while, Infinite
Fitness will beinstitchesquiltstudio.blogspot.com
calling to find out why.
In Stitches Quilt Studio
Lisa Clark
Longarm Quilting Services
614 Hunters Close NW
Edmonton, AB T6R 2W2
780-249-3800 780-914-6284
scrapqwn@shaw.ca
institchesquiltstudio.blogspot.com
GIBBS FOOT AND ANKLE CLINIC
Medical and surgical treatment of the foot and ankle
Dr. David Gibbs, DPM
Neuroma
Hammertoes
Bunion
NEED A NOTARY PUBLIC OR
In Stitches Quilt
Studio
A COMMISSIONER
FOR OATHS?
A
Call Riverbend
Registry Services at 780.437.7355
Lisa Clark
2nd Floor, 201
– 596 Riverbend
Square
NW
Longarm
Quilting
Services
By Appointment Only.
MONDAY -614
WEDNESDAY
9:00AM - 8:00PM
Hunters Close NW
THURSDAYEdmonton,
- FRIDAY AB T6R 2W2 9:00AM - 6:00PM
SATURDAY780-249-3800 780-914-6284
9:00AM - 4:00PM
scrapqwn@shaw.ca
institchesquiltstudio.blogspot.com
Heel Pain
Ankle Pain
Ingrown Nails
4632 Calgary Trail
For an appointment call 780-432-7877
WWW.RIVERBENDONLINE.CA
7
community league news
Serving the Neighbourhoods of Brander Gardens, Brookside,
Ramsay Heights, and Rhatigan Ridge.
Join in! Visit www.riverbendonline.ca
for Updates on Community League Programs.
President’s message
Dave Rumbold
RCL President
H
appy New Year everyone! I hope you had
an enjoyable festive season with friends and
family.
Riverbend Community League is a very busy place
this season with our buildings and rinks being well
used by the community. We have been continuing to
upgrade our infrastructure and we will soon be updating
the flooring in the common area and refurbishing the
office in our main building. This will be the last major
refurbishment item in both of our buildings. The
money we have spent has helped us keep our facilities
looking good and our rentals at close to full capacity.
We have also made a major new equipment purchase to
help maintain our rinks this season. Thank you to the
South West Area Council for their substantial donation
towards the cost of this equipment. We are continuing
to get great feedback about the condition of our two
rinks and this is due to the great work of our contractor,
Paul Glassford. It’s nice to see lots of kids still using
outdoor rinks these days.
I am pleased to report that our community
history initiative is proceeding. We are capturing
the history and stories of Riverbend Community
League and our original neighborhoods, Brookside
and Brander Gardens, by interviewing original and
long-term residents. We are recording their stories
and saving them for posterity before the opportunity
is lost. There are some amazing stories out there, and
we want to capture them all. We are also half way
through scanning our old Riverbend Ragg-Times
newspapers, which go back to the 1970s! I would
like to acknowledge the work of a wonderful new
community volunteer, Terri Aihoshi, for taking the
lead here and sharing her skills with us. Terri is a great
fit for this role, and it will be great to see the archives
grow. We have a growing list of people to interview.
Feel free to contact Elizabeth at our League office
(780-437-7108) if you have something to offer us
here. Watch future Ragg-Times for some interesting
articles on the ‘pioneers’ of our community.
In other news, Riverbend Community League needs a
Treasurer. Our past Treasurer, Nancy Wendt is managing
our books until we fill the role, but we really need to fill
this position as soon as possible. Can you help?
The City of Edmonton has created an advisory
group to provide input on the future Terwillegar
Park footbridge and the adjacent west-end trail
system, which includes some trails on the RiverbendTerwillegar side of the river. A well-known Riverbend
community leader, Joe Yurkovich, has stepped
forward to represent Riverbend Community League
at these meetings – thanks Joe! The city says the start
of construction for the new footbridge will be spring
2014. Riverbend League also has two representatives
on a working group set up by Kinder Morgan
Pipelines to facilitate community consultation on
the TransMountain pipeline right of way which goes
through the middle of our Community League.
Thanks to Charlene Morrison and Rod Ponech for
representing us at these meetings.
The Edmonton Public School Board recognized
Riverbend Community League in December, along
Community activities
Community League Swim
Show your valid Riverbend Community League
membership at the pools listed below for free access
during the designated community league swim
times. Children 7 years of age or under require adult
supervision in the water at a ratio not to exceed five
children to one adult. Children 6 years of age and
over must change in the change room of their gender.
Family change rooms are available at some facilities.
Confederation Leisure Centre
11204 43 Ave.
Saturdays, 4-5:30 p.m.
Terwillegar Community Recreation Centre
2051 Leger Road
Sundays, 5-7 p.m.
Pool reopens
The Terwillegar Community Aquatic Centre was
8
JAN/FEB 2014
closed for warranty repairs, but reopened early
November.
Membership info
In Decemeber, visitors to the RCL office may have spotted
Executive Administrator Elizabeth Emslie getting into
the holiday spirit.( Photo: Caitlin Crawshaw).
with several other community organizations, for the
league’s work assisting the Brander Gardens Rocks
Collaborative. Riverbend Community League is
pleased to be a part of the amazing Brander Gardens
Rocks success story.
The Riverbend Winter Festival is coming up
quickly, and it promises to be a great community
event again this year. Sue Trigg and her organizing
committee have big plans coming together and, as
always, volunteers for a variety of roles are needed.
Many people from our surrounding neighborhoods
and community leagues contribute to this event.
Please consider coming forward and helping out – it’s
a rewarding experience.
Volunteers
needed
Riverbend
Community
League
boundaries
include Brander Gardens, Brookside, Ramsay
Heights and Rhatigan Ridge. Memberships can
be purchased on line at www.efcl.org or by mailing
in the membership form on P. 27 or dropping
it off at the RCL office. For more information
about the Riverbend Community League, visit
www.riverbendonline.ca.
Thank you for
Community League.
supporting
the
Riverbend Bridge Club
Riverbend
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at our Drop-in Bridge
on Thursdays 12:30-3 p.m. at the Riverbend
Community Centre, 258 Rhatigan Rd. East. Open to
all. Community league membership is required. For
more information, call the community league office at
780-437-7108.
To find out how you can become involved,
contact the Riverbend Community League
Office at 780-437-7108
community league news
The Ridge Community League
Neighbourhoods of Falconer Heights (Terwillegar Hill Estates),
Henderson Estates (River Ridge, Eagle Ridge, Promontory Point),
& Haddow (Riverside, College Woods)
www.theridgeonline.ca
info@theridgeonline.ca
twitter.com/TheRidgeCL
facebook.com/ridgecommunity
flickr.com/groups/1046485@N23/pool/
Annual General Meeting January 30th!
THE NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY WAS A BLAST!
Where: Riverbend Community Hall
258 Rhatigan Rd. East (next to Earl Buxton School)
When: 7:00 pm, January 30, 2014
It was a family-fun night with a barbecue and hot chocolate, two horse sleighs
for rides, tobogganing, music, snowshoeing and games with program leaders,
and a grand
finale of a 20
minute
fireworks
show! Add
friends and
family and it
was a
memorable
way to say
good-bye to
2013 and bring
in the New
Year. Three
large bins were
filled with food
donations for
The Food
Bank, and
$273 in
donations
made to the
bank. A very
generous
donation was
also made by a
local resident
to The Ridge
Community
League.
Come on out to enjoy some wine and cheese with your neighbours and have
a say in your neighbourhood and community league’s future! The meeting is
open to everyone, and is a chance for you to:
• voice any topics of concern about your
neighbourhoods, including Surplus School Sites,
residential infill, and river valley trails.
• have a say in its future.
• find out more about The Ridge Community League
• ask questions
Community Leagues rely on many volunteers but the
executive of Community Leagues are especially critical for planning and
implementing the programs and projects that many people take for granted.
Be it the construction of a playground, park or skating rink, community events
like the New Year’s Eve party, or the summer playground programs, these key
people make things happen. Some of the executive positions are or will be
open. Even if the position is filled that person could always use the help.
Please come out to the AGM to hear what we have to say, have a say in
issues of relevance to your community, and perhaps become involved, even in
some small way.
Input on Community Development
Community Leagues play an important part as liaison between the City of
Edmonton and the community. There can be a wide range of desires and
requirements in communities throughout the City, but common requests
include good communication, proper planning, and having a say in how their
community is developed. We currently have several topics of relevance to
The Ridge CL that range from very contentious for many people, to ones that
are of interest to select people.
Surplus School Sites - both Henderson and Haddow Parks currently have a
school site that has been deemed surplus by the school boards and the City
intends to develop.
Residential Infill - go to www.edmonton.ca and search for “Evolving infill”
River Valley Trails - A foot bridge is being built across the river on the north
side of Terwillegar Park, and a trail built to replace the path between
Terwillegar Park and the paved trail near the Anthony Henday bridge.
Want more information? Come to the AGM and we will answer your questions.
Our Skating Rink at Henderson Park is open!
Grab the skates and bundle up the kids and head to our snowbank rink at
Henderson Park (versus Haddow Park the last couple years). It’s at the south
end of the park, and can be accessed off Henderson Road and then Hendra
Crescent. It may be a bit hard to spot from the sidewalk or road since there
are no tall boards (hence the name Snowbank Skating Rink). You may even
get to watch the zamboni from Questic Contracting prep the ice for you.
• Open to the public. Regular winter hours are 9:00am to 9:00pm.
• This is an unsupervised rink. Skate at your own risk.
• No smoking, and no dogs are permitted around the skating areas.
• Helmets are strongly recommended for all ages
Free Swimming and Use of the Rec Centre
The Community swims at Terwillegar Community Recreation Centre are on
Sundays are from 5 - 7pm as a shared swim with the public and other CL.
The Ridge Community League has a contract with the City of Edmonton that
we pay for on behalf of our members. CL members may use all public areas
of the facility for those 2 hours but are required to bring a valid community
membership card for a participating league with them to the facility.
You can purchase a Ridge Community League membership from the TRAC
office at the Rec Centre. The same membership will give you a 10% discount
off the purchase of a Rec Centre membership!
Photo compliments of Taylor Bradshaw
The Ridge Community League would like to thank the businesses and
organizations that generously helped sponsor the event.
A special thank you to our partners:
The City of Edmonton
Hodgson Community League
Riverbend Community League
Oak Hills Community League
Servus Credit Union
Program leaders from The City of Edmonton Community Services were out
with their snow shoes, skis, paints and games to keep the kids busy. Thank
you to Kimberly, Tegan, Madhusha and Camille! We'll see if we can arrange
for warmer weather next year. Our weatherman missed by about 2 days.
Thank you to the many volunteers. We apologize for some of you dropping in
and generously helping out during the party and we did not catch your name!
Janet Mitchelson
Mathew Babey
Nolan and Blakely Frans
Jolie Chan
Al and Sara Sibilo
Andrew MacLeod
Peter and Martina Kunkel
Yan Sun
Jim, Andrew and Taylor Bradshaw
Chris Auton
Larry, Adnan and Kayley Shaben
Jason Zheng
Mariann and Judson Rich
Pinaaz Pahman
Charlotte, Kent, Logan and Rebecca Powell
Kelly Chan
Barb, Laura and Ryan Maclean
Lan He
Bruce Gritter
Khanh Phan
Sherri Henderson
Jacob Modayil
Keith Johnson
Norb Janke
Stephanie Kendall
Franz Lennarson
And a very special thank you to Dianne and Barry Kossowan for all their time
and effort without whom the party would not have happened!
Thank you once again to our sponsors and partners:
WWW.RIVERBENDONLINE.CA
9
living local
Beat the winter blues at the Riverbend library
Books, friends and new skills await you
Kim Bates
Community librarian
For kids
Book Punks Book Club
Do you love to read and talk about books? Come to
a book club that breaks all the rules!
Typical book clubs have their members read
the same books. Our members can each read
something different! Typical book clubs talk
about plot, characters and so on. We talk about
anything and everything we want! Typical book
clubs don’t play games and make cool stuff,
but we do! This program is best suited for kids
aged 8–12.
Saturdays until May 31, 2014
Spring Break Starts Here
This year’s theme for spring break is Heroes and
Hooligans. Join us daily for programming based
on this like magic tricks in Tricks and Wizards or a
Choose Your Own Adventure puppet show.
See www.epl.ca for more information and program
listings.
For teens
Teen Lounge
Join other teens in the program room to play video games,
make a DIY project, meet friends or just hang out.
Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m., Feb. 5-March 19
Tuesday, 4 p.m., April 22
Tuesday, 4 p.m., May 6 - 13
MaKey MaKey Fun
This program will bring out your inner inventor.
Using a gizmo called a MaKey MaKey and a
computer, you’ll turn everyday objects into
computer keys that control your keyboard. Hack a
banana and turn it into a piano, design playdough
10
JAN/FEB 2014
(Photo: Liza Xenzova)
video game controllers or create whatever else you
can dream up.
Ages 10-17
Tuesdays at 4 p.m., April 8-15
Reading Buddies
Do you love to read? Do you want to have fun, make
new friends and practise your reading skills? Reading
Buddies is a program that matches teen mentors with
kids in Grades 2-4. Through interactive games and
activities, buddies share their enthusiasm for reading.
If you’re interested in pairing up with a teen buddy,
contact your local branch for more information. If
you’re a teen who would like to volunteer, visit www.
epl.ca/volunteer for more information.
Tuesdays, Feb. 11-March 18, at 4:30
Registration starts online or over the phone Jan. 28
at 10am
For adults
Practise English at your library
Are you learning English? Practise your English language
skills, meet new friends and have some fun. We’ll
have conversations about many different topics, using
materials from the library. A library staff member will
lead the group. English speakers at all levels are welcome!
Fridays at 2 p.m.,
From Jan. 10-March 14
Go go gadget help!
Did you get a new gizmo or gadget? An eReader, tablet,
camera, laptop or phone? Bring it in and explore how
it works with library staff and other participants, in a
relaxed atmosphere. We’ll help you download library
eBooks and eAudiobooks and solve other puzzles.
Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 7 p.m.
For parents
Language Boost: Easy tips for supporting your
child’s language development
Did you know that babies learn about literacy right from
birth—and that you are your child’s first teacher?
Early literacy is everything that children absorb about
reading and writing before they actually learn to read and
living local
write. It’s never too early for your child to build literacy
skills that will help with reading, school and more.
Join us as we learn ways to incorporate early literacy
skills into everyday routines through books, songs and
rhymes. Babies welcome! Visit the “Read. Talk. Play.”
early literacy site: www.epl.ca/readtalkplay.
Jan. 29, 7 p.m.
Digital Fun! Smartphone Photography
The best camera is the one you have with you! Learn
how to use your smartphone or tablet to take better
pictures, download creative apps and explore new
ways to share your memories online. Bring your own
smartphone or tablet, or use one of our iPads.
Wednesday, Feb. 5, 7-8:30 p.m
Simply Google: Beyond the Search Box
Join us for this group session and explore Google
products, such as Google searching and Gmail. You
can bring your own laptop or use one of ours.
Mondays, April 7- May 12, at 10:15 a.m.
For everyone
Family Day Fun
Spend Family Day at the library! All branches are
open on Family Day, 1-5 p.m., and will have special
activities the whole family can enjoy.
Monday, Feb. 17, 2 p.m.
Banned books Café
Celebrate Freedom to Read Week by participating in
the Banned Books Café. Hear readings from challenged
books and join in discussions about censorship and
your freedom to read.
Open to all ages
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 7-8 p.m.
For more information about any of our programs please
visit www.epl.ca.
Soccer registration opens
Here’s what you need to know to enrol your child in
community minor soccer
Jane Calvert
TRSA President
R
egistration in Terwillegar Riverbend Soccer
Association (TRSA) is now available online
at www.SWEMSA.com.
Complete one online registration form for each player.
Once you have submitted each registration form,
a confirmation link from emsa.notifications will be
emailed to you. Print two copies of each registration
submitted. If you do not bring the two printed copies
of your registration form, you will be charged $10
per registration. The second copy of your registration
form will be stamped and signed as your 2014 income
tax receipt.
You will also need to provide your community
league membership number. Memberships can be
purchased at the in-person payment sessions, on-line at
www.efcl.org, or at the TRAC office in the Terwillegar
Community Recreation Center (TCRC).
Payment by cheque is preferred over cash. You will
need to provide a separate cheque for players trying
out for club teams, and one separate cheque for your
family volunteer deposit ($75.00), both made out to
TRSA.
Payment can be made in-person at one of the
sessions listed below. Your payment can also be made
by mail. If paying by mail, be sure to include the
following:
• Both copies of your registration form
• Fee payment cheque made out to TRSA with the
current date
• One volunteer deposit cheque per family for $75
made out to TRSA and dated July 1 2014
Mail the above to this address:
3333333333
Volunteers needed
Give back. Make friends. Connect with your community.
To find out how you can become involved,
contact the Riverbend Community League
Office at 780-437-7108
3333333333
33333333333333333333333333
33333333333333333333333333
(Photo: iStock)
TRSA
BOX 88053
Rabbit Hill P.O.
Edmonton, AB T6R 0M5
In person payment sessions
Saturday, Feb. 1
TCRC, 2051 Leger Road
11 - 3 pm
Saturday, Feb. 8
TCRC, 2051 Leger Road
11 - 3 pm
Saturday, Feb. 22
TCRC, 2051 Leger Road
11 - 3 pm
2014 Soccer Fees
Proposed fees for 2014
Age Group
Birth year
Proposed fee
U4
2010
70
U5
2009
90
U6
2008
90
U8
2007/2006
120
U10
2005/2004
120
U12
2003/2002
140
U14
2001/2000
160
U16
1999/1998
160
U18
1997/1996
160
riverbend registry services
Authorized Registry Agent
For all your alberTa regisTry needs!
riv
e
Whitemud Drive
oad
rD
R
end
Te
r
w
ille
ga
erb
Riv
HERE!
X
Rab
bit H
ill R
oad
An
y
on
th
23rd Avenue
y
da
en
H
2nd Floor, 201 – 596 Riverbend Square NW
Terwillegar Drive & Rabbit Hill Road
Tel: 780.437.7355 Fax: 780-436.4147
neW exTended hours!
Drivers Licence
Vehicle Registration & Renewal
Knowledge Test (All Classes)
Road Tests (No Wait List)
Business Registrations & Incorporation
Government ID Cards
Legal Name Changes
Auto Lien Searches
Marriage, Birth & Death Certificates
Land Title Searches
Business & Personal Debtor Searches
Boat Operator Licence
Out of Province Lien Searches
Notary Public/Commissioner for Oaths
Need more information? Visit our website at www.riverbendregistry.ca
Or email us at info@riverbendregistry.ca
Monday - Wednesday
Thursday – Friday
saTurday
9 aM – 8 PM
9 aM – 6 PM
9 aM – 4 PM
Authorized
Registry Agent
WWW.RIVERBENDONLINE.CA
11
Lillian Osborne students shine
education
At 2nd annual Winterfest, student talent and holiday spirit are abundant
Kailey Peckford, Kailey Brown, Tara Aspden
and Kelly Chen
W
hile the holidays have passed, the smell of
apple cider and candy canes still lingers
at Lillian Osborne High School, where
Winterfest memories are still fresh.
On Dec.18-19, Lillian Osborne held its second
annual Winterfest, a community winter celebration
and family-friendly showcase of student talent. At
this year’s event, festivalgoers sipped hot chocolate
or apple cider as they watched student performances.
“Many students are really shy and it was neat to see
them perform,” says Lillian Osborne art teacher Davey
Thompson.
I loved seeing all the
parents supporting their kids
and the community.That’s
what Christmas is: families
and communities coming
together.
For main stage performer Daisy Lin, one of the
highlights of the evening was the drum-line, providing
upbeat and unexpected entertainment. “What began
as a normal version of ‘The Little Drummer Boy’
quickly morphed into a rap and everyone was into it,”
she says.
Other acts included the school’s concert band,
whose medley of the ‘Polar Express’ delighted the
crowd, and the jazz band, which played a moving
performance of ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside.’
An open mic allowed literary artists to share their
work, too. “Lots of students were nervous but had a
great time,” says Christina Basler, a Grade 11 writer
who participated. “It was fun to include the reading
and have a chance to be part of it.”
A raffle and silent auction held both nights raised
funds for school arts programs while providing a lastminute holiday shopping opportunity for parents.
Donated auction items were diverse, including gift
cards from local businesses and a wine-and-cheese
pairing for 12 people from Enotri.
Other highlights included craft making for kids
and a large, international bake sale in the school
library.
Hundreds of students and teachers made Lillian
(Photos: Rostyslav Soroka)
Osborne’s second annual Winterfest sparkle.
Like last year, the event was well attended and
is quickly becoming a community tradition.
“I loved seeing all the parents supporting
their kids and the community,” says
Thompson. “That’s what Christmas is:
families and communities coming together.”
Buy One, Get One
50
%
OFF
LSM-01
Purchase a Pizza at regular menu price,
get a second one of equal or lesser value half off.
Excludes Mini Murph®, FAVES® and Heartbaker® Pizzas
Limited time offer. Valid at participating locations only. Not
valid with other offers. Coupons cannot be sold, transferred
or duplicated. Limit 3. 821-BNP010814
8
Pepperoni Pizza
$
AVAILABLE JANUARY 28
THROUGH
FEBRUARY 14, 2014.
At participating locations. Not valid with other offers. Limit 3.
12
JAN/FEB 2014
Sweetheart
of a Deal
HeartBaker® Pepperoni Pizza
and S’mores Dessert Pizza
12
$
RIVERBEND
512 Riverbend Square
Terwilliger Dr & Rabbit Hill
by Safeway
780-436-7271
©2014 Papa Murphy’s International LLC
14371-RCL-HB8-SOD12
education
The first 2000 days matter
Update on the SouthWest Early Years (SWEY) project
Sherri Henderson
SWEY Assistant
T
he first 2000 days between birth and
kindergarten is critical to a child’s
development. It’s in those first 2000 days
that a child’s brain develops most quickly and is most
sensitive to its surroundings as they grow and adapt to
their environment. This means that a child’s earliest
experiences strongly influence lifelong learning,
relationships, and physical and emotional health and
wellbeing.
In 2009, Alberta Education’s Early Child
Development Mapping (ECMAP) Project set out to
gather data through the Early Development Instrument
(EDI) on kindergarten aged children in five key
developmental areas: social competence, language and
cognitive development, physical health and well-being,
emotional maturity, communication skills and general
knowledge. This information provides a snapshot of
our children’s developmental needs as a group, and how
we are doing as a community to give our children the
experiences they need leading up to kindergarten.
In the Riverbend/Terwillegar area, although most
children are developing normally, approximately one
in four children experience some difficulty in at least
one key development area by the time they get to
kindergarten. That means we have some work to do
to give our children better quality experiences in those
first 2000 days.
Over the past couple years we have been busy
connecting with parents, community organizations
and leaders in southwest Edmonton and in the
We we are currently
finalizing the details for
an online ECD resources
map that will be
available to the public
in the next few months.
(Photo: iStock)
December issue of The Riverbend Ragg-times we
asked for your help in identifying early childhood
programs, resources, and services in southwest
Edmonton for an online Early Childhood
Development (ECD) Resources Map. We we are
currently finalizing the details for an online ECD
resources map that will be available to the public in
the next few months.
We are also excited about the January 7, 2014
announcement of a new Parent Link centre for
Southwest Edmonton by the Honourable Manmeet
Bhullar, Minister of Human Services. Although we do
not have all the details, we look forward to hearing
more information about this exciting new addition to
our community that will help and support our families
and youngest community members.
If you have any questions about SWEY, or
would like us to come out to a meeting or an
event to talk about SWEY, please email us at:
swearlyyears@hotmail.com.
For more information about SWEY or the data,
please visit us at www.earlychildhoodedm.ca/southwest/
or LIKE us on Facebook (SouthWestEarlyYears) or
FOLLOW us on Twitter (@SWEarlyYears).
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13
education
Math is on fire!
There are plenty of different ways to teach children math
Kathy Malkin
Educating @ home
A
hot topic these days is the mysterious way that
math is being taught.
Why do students not learn “the basics”:
the times tables, how to calculate, and how to
actually solve a problem? Why do they learn
“strategies,” talk about math endlessly, and play
with manipulatives?
Recently, parents in our area contacted Alberta
Education to encourage options to teaching math.
These local parents noticed what international tests
have noticed — that kids in Alberta are struggling in
math and the parents are seeking a change.
Changing curriculum is not new. The pendulum
swings back and forth every ten or 12 years as to
what to teach and how to teach in pretty much every
subject and grade. Provinces, and even countries,
make decisions as to what will be included in public
curricula to facilitate cross-country movement,
textbook use, and consistency in outcomes.
In our home school, I teach my daughter math
history, tell math stories, and work on the basics
(like learning the times tables, drawing diagrams
to illustrate, and practicing and calculating ways
to arrive at the answers to the “stories”). We have
had success in math, so imagine my surprise when
parents I know voiced their frustration that their
kids could not do math. They did not know their
times tables, were discouraged from learning them,
and were confused about solving problems. I
heard of many kids taking private math classes in
(Photo: iStock)
the community.
I was curious about this so we looked into it. We
explored one text that broke down math into such
minute detail that my kid was bored to tears writing
out the multiple steps. Then we tried a different
prescribed text. I imagined that all the pictures and
short lessons appealed to students and teachers. I
liked the practical math projects in each chapter. But
I noticed a distressing pattern in the chapters: a list of
strategies was described at length and solving was only
briefly mentioned as one of the strategies. That struck
me as missing something.
I recently took a course online from a professor at
Stanford about how to teach math this way. There is
merit to the approach in that it tries to make math
more interactive, collaborative, and action-oriented –
finding ways to physically and visually represent what
goes on in math so students can understand the why of
math before they work on the how to manipulate and
use math to solve questions. Unfortunately, when the
gap between being able to talk about math and do it is
so great that kids—even bright ones—fail exams that
require listing of strategies at the expense of solving,
something still needs adjustment.
For parents interested in investigating their
options, there are many ideas as to what math
curriculum can be.
Google Singapore Math. This holistic program has
similarities to Alberta’s current curriculum, is widely
used in the home-school community, and is known
for excellent results. Online, you can find resources
to explain and demonstrate Singapore Math. Through
the Edmonton Public Library website’s eLearning
portal, you can even take free courses about the
Singapore math approach.
Another popular math curriculum is Teaching
Textbooks, a fun online, interactive series. Jump
Math and even Spectrum workbooks offer excellent
instruction. They are available in local stores – Scholar’s
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education
Choice, Education Station, Chapters – as well as online.
Finally, Khan Academy now has a very extensive
online math program (free!) that students and
parents (and teachers) can use. Definitely check
it out.
In our home school, I
teach my daughter math
history, tell math stories,
and work on the basics
(like learning the times
tables, drawing diagrams to
illustrate, and practicing and
calculating ways to arrive at
the answers to the “stories”).
And remember this: Alberta is still seen as a global
leader in education vision, practice, and results. See
Vivien Stewart’s book A World-Class Education:
Learning from International Models of Excellence and
Innovation in which Alberta has been identified for our
holistic philosophies and generally excellent outcomes
in education.
We are fortunate to have options and the
opportunity to engage in the conversation about all
the ways that education can be facilitated in Alberta.
That is one of the reasons I love homeschooling!
Kathy Malkin is a past public school teacher, holistic
coach, and counselor who homeschools in Riverbend.
Scona Lords a-leapin’
Strathcona High School’s athletics, fine arts and leadership
activities have created a whirlwind of activity
Ron Nesbitt
Strathcona High School
Y
et another blizzard…but not courtesy of Old
Man Winter. Instead, a blizzard of activity can
be found inside the halls of Strathcona ! Here’s
just a few of the happenings:
Just before the holidays, the Senior Women’s
Volleyball team, helmed by Coach Rolph, won the
Metro Conference Title, and followed this up with
a silver medal in the provincial finals. Way to go,
ladies! This victory follows Scona’s Swim Team’s City
Championship, continuing an amazing streak of 28
straight years!
All four basketball squads find themselves in the
thick of the play-off hunt, while Scona’s Co-Ed Indoor
Soccer team—undefeated at press time—looks to
defend their city championship.
Meanwhile, in arts news, the forecast is for showstopping tunes and intermittent dancing as the
student cast and crew rehearse Scona’s presentation of
the Broadway smash “The Heights,” under the skilled
direction of Ms. Smith. Watch this space next month
for more info.
The storm continues inside the classroom as Scona
students and staff rev up for finals and diploma exams.
Parents and students can check SchoolZone for
individual exam schedules.
As part of Scona’s motto—“As One Who Serves”—
the leadership classes are poised to launch this year’s
Global Initiative in early February. This year’s campaign
Meanwhile, in arts
news, the forecast is for
show-stopping tunes and
intermittent dancing as
the student cast and crew
rehearse Scona’s presentation
of the Broadway smash
“The Heights”...
is called “Chain Reaction,” and will be raising money
and awareness of www.worldbicyclerelief.org, a charity
devote to empowering Third World citizens with the
simple gift of mobility. Through something as simple
a sharing access to a bike, people can access food,
education and health care more readily. Last year’s
Initiative raised over $118,000 after matching grants
were added, and this year’s classes are looking to exceed
this lofty goal.
Sports, Arts, Academics —
­ maybe that’s why the
hallways and classrooms are always such a stormfront!
Ron Nesbitt is a teacher at Strathcona High School.
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WWW.RIVERBENDONLINE.CA
15
education
City growth puts pressure on SW schools
More schools needed to accomodate the growing numbers of students
Michael Janz
EPSB Trusteel
E
dmonton’s rapid suburban growth is putting
tremendous space pressures on our schools.
Since 2005, 46 new neighborhoods have
opened and thousands of new students are enrolling in
Edmonton Public Schools. In 2013 alone, Edmonton
Public Schools saw an increase of 3,000 students. Over
the last three years, enrollment has grown by 6,600
students. The vast majority of this growth is occurring
in new areas of the city’s south, west, and southeast
– more than 11,000 new students live in these areas.
Most notably, 21 per cent of our kindergarten students
live in these newer areas. As homes continue to be
built, these growth pressures will only continue.
The only long-term solution is the opening of
new schools in these new neighborhoods. Schools are
allocated from the provincial government. We eagerly
anticipate the announcement of new schools for
Edmonton. While the specific school decisions are the
purview of the administration, the Board of Trustees is
committed to advocating for new schools and making
decisions to facilitate the best use of school space. This
is a two-part process.
Phase One involves the District Accommodation
Plan for new and developing neighborhoods (outside
of the Henday). Once these decisions are made, the
board will move to Phase Two: applying the Board
Planning Principles to existing schools (inside of the
Henday), ensuring that all students have access to
high-quality learning environments.
Phase Two may include replacement schools,
consolidations, right-sizing schools, or a plethora of
In 2013 alone,
Edmonton Public Schools saw
an increase of 3,000 students.
Over the last three years,
enrollment has grown by
6,600 students...
encourage you to get in touch with your elected
representatives and engage them in the conversation.
My contact information is below and I regularly host
community office hours at the Riverbend Second Cup
— tea or coffee for your thoughts?
For more information, please visit these sites:
Board Planning Principles:
www.epsb.ca/ourdistrict/boardpoliciesadministrativeregu
lations/e-facilities/eabpinfrastructureplanningprinciples/
(Photo: Courtesy of Michael Janz)
Space For Our Students:
other strategies such as evaluating program placements
in order to address our district deferred maintenance
deficit. All infrastructure recommendations from
the administration are informed by the planning
principles passed by the Board of Trustees.
On this or any other public education issue, I
www.sites.google.com/a/epsb.ca/acc-test/
Michael Janz is the Trustee for Ward F (Downtown,
University, Southgate, and the North Riverbend
area) and can be reached at michael.janz@epsb.ca,
www.michaeljanz.ca, or 780-429-8080.
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savour
Let’s talk about dirt
The soil in a vineyard can have a big impact on the flavour of wine
William Bincoletto
W
ine geeks love to talk about dirt.* Whether
we are apprentice sommeliers or master
winemakers, we all love to chat about
how one soil favours one grape, how kimmeridge clay
(composed of limestone, clay and fossilized oyster
shells) offers the best quality for the chardonnay grape
in the Chablis region of France.
The concept of terroir, which was used by many old
world producers, is now becoming a more accepted
idea from everyone in the wine business. In very
general terms, it refers to the special characteristics
of the specific vineyard site (including its geography,
geology and climate). It’s a concept that is seen as a
way to improve quality.
In fact, certain regions – or even vineyard plots –
are considered better than others. Over the centuries,
winemakers (those early monks) have plotted through
many trials and errors to find the best growing
conditions for the grapes of the region. Knowing
whether to plant in fertile alluvial soil or chalky
calcareous soil, or even the famous tufa of the Loire (a
mixture of limestone, sand and chalk) was bound to
provide results over time.
Today there hundreds of soils types identified for
the benefit of winemakers and understanding how
everything interconnects is paramount in creating
masterpieces. So next time you enter your favorite
wine boutique, take some time to inquire about how
special that dirt is!
Here are three great wines that show the remarkable
influence of soil on the flavour of wine.
2011 Reichgraf von Kesselstatt Piesporter
Goldtröpfchen Riesling Kabinett
(Photo: iStock)
A beautiful wine from the Mosel region of Germany.
The growing region here contains deep, steep hills and
the soil is mainly composed of slate.
Priorat in Spain. Here, the terraced vineyards are
known for their special llicorella soil, a unique terroir
of black slate and quartz.
2011 Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Shiraz
(*Because I do not have a degree in geology, I hope
that this information does not offend any experts out
there. So, if there are any experts reading this who’d
like to weigh in, course, I invite you to email me your
comments.)
Great example of a Barossa valley Shiraz, situated
north of Adelaide, Australia. The dirt here is a blend
of brown, loamy sandy to clay loam, and sandy lightbrownish grey to dark grey brown soils.
2012 La Cartuja
This wine is 70 per cent garnacha and 30 per cent
cariñena and comes from the stunning region of
William Bincoletto is the principal sommelier of
Vines Wine Merchants and Sommelier Instructor for
the International Sommelier Guild. Contact him at
780-434-9444 or william@vineswinemerchants.com.
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JAN/FEB 2014
wellness
Starting an exercise program
Use these tips to set yourself up for success
Bryce Lowry
Health columnist
E
yoga class or weight-lifting session, should last a
minimum of 20-30 minutes and should occur at least
five days each week. Begin each session with a brief
warm-up followed immediately by a couple quick
stretches. Despite common practice, stretching should
not be the very first thing you do – you need to warm
up your muscles first (or you run the risk of tearing
cold muscles).
very year, one of the most popular New Year’s
resolutions is to get in shape. It’s a good goal
to have since starting an exercise program is
one of the best things you can do for your health. The
problem is, only about 8 per cent of people actually
follow through with their resolution.
Despite that discouraging figure, those who
make explicit resolutions are about 10 times more
likely to achieve their goal than those who don’t
make any resolution at all. So, if you’ve resolved to
get in shape this year, you’ve taken the right first
step! Here are a few pieces of advice to increase your
chances of being among the very few who achieve
their New Year’s goal.
Start your workout
After the warm-up and stretches, begin your
workout. This can include aerobic training, weight
lifting/resistance training, or flexibility training,
depending on your preference. If you will be
undertaking an intense cardiovascular workout, it
is important to know what your maximum heart
rate is. This can be calculated by subtracting your
age from 220. Then every workout should conclude
with a cool-down that includes a few more final
stretches.
Check with your doctor
If you are a man older than 45, a woman over 55, or
anyone with major health issues, it is best to consult
a physician prior to starting. But fear not: no matter
what your health status may be, you can almost always
work out in some way. There goes that first excuse!
Know where you’re starting from
If you are new to working out, or have not done so
in years, you should ascertain your baseline level of
fitness. Most people have a good idea of how fit they
are, but measure it anyways so you can track your
progress. This can be done by recording how long it
takes you to walk 1 km and measure your heart rate
before and after (count your pulse at the wrist for 1
minute). You may also record how many push-ups
(Photo: iStock)
you can do at one time as well as measuring your waist
circumference (measure your bare abdomen just above
the hip bone) and your body mass index (an online
calculator can help you do this).
Warm up, then stretch
Each workout session, be it a walk, run, swim, cycle,
Follow these steps, combine your exercise program
with a healthy diet, and you may just be among the
8 per cent who successfully achieve their New Year’s
resolution. You may even be among the fittest of that
8 per cent.
Bryce Lowry is a medical student at The Royal College
of Surgeons in Ireland. He grew up in Riverbend’s
Eagle Ridge neighbourhood and has spent time in the
community as a lifeguard, swim instructor, ski patroller
and ski instructor.
WWW.RIVERBENDONLINE.CA
19
wellness
Mindfulness strategies for everyday relief
Root yourself in the present moment with these techniques
Kathy Malkin
Well Now
L
ast time, we discussed the benefits of
mindfulness. People might think one of the
greatest benefits of mindfulness is being calm.
Although you may become calmer, the real point
of mindfulness is to be immediately in the present
moment to experience right then how I am, and then
perhaps eventually, who I am.
It may sound a little mysterious, but try some of
these exercises and build them into your days – and
see what happens.
Taking a few
moments to breathe not
only brings much-needed
oxygen into your body,
but also quiets your
mind and interrupts any
potentially ineffective
patterns...
Focus on your breath
I can get really flustered during the day. It seems there
is too much to do, too much noise, too many places to
go, too many interruptions, and too many things that go
their own way.
Here’s something you can try the next time things
get hectic: go into the bathroom, close your eyes,
and take a deep breath. And then another. Notice
the air passing into your nose. Notice the in and out
movement of your abdomen. Notice your shoulders
rise and fall and relax. And then notice your breath
and the air moving in through your nose and then
out through your mouth. Think “breathing” – or
even say the word out loud if you want to. Notice
your “in” and “out” breathing a few more times,
collect yourself, open your eyes, and then continue
with your day.
Taking a few moments to breathe not only brings
much-needed oxygen into your body, but also quiets
your mind and interrupts any potentially ineffective
patterns that may have been running. The breathing
allows you to become centered, leaving you freer to
choose your next action, thought, and emotion more
consciously.
Of course, you don’t have to find a bathroom
to do this: take a few moments at a red light,
the dance studio, produce aisle, or before a
meeting begins. By focusing on the breath several
times a day, you begin to tap into the how I am.
20
JAN/FEB 2014
(Photo: iStock)
Focus on a simple movement
As you start to enjoy mindful breathing, you will start
to notice that a lot goes on when you are breathing.
You will begin to notice movements and sensations in
your body and all around you.
Try this next exercise when you can sit quietly in a
chair and close your eyes. First, start with a few mindful
breaths in and out, noticing what you focus on. If one
thing you notice is a bunch of thoughts zooming around,
say “thinking.” Then, say “breathing” and breathe.
After a few minutes, raise one arm slowly – so
slowly, perhaps, that someone watching may not be
able to notice your arm moving. With your eyes still
closed, notice what you feel in your arm and around
your arm (any tension, any cool breezes, any rubbing
on clothing, etc.).
If you notice your mind wandering, say to yourself,
“my arm is moving.” As you continue moving your
arm, notice how your arm moves (Easily? Squeakily?
With tension in the elbow?). Just notice.
And then as your arm is moving, notice what is
moving your arm, where the impulse to move is
coming from, how are you accomplishing the moving.
Keep the noticing in your arm. Then bring your
arm down gently to rest on the table or in your lap.
Smile and breathe. You can do this exercise again,
focusing on other body parts, or you can also do a
bit of mindful walking – eyes open so you don’t bean
yourself on something — focusing on the feet moving,
the breathing, and the sensations in and around you.
Now, I realize that some of this may seem strange
or unfamiliar, but it’s only breathing and moving. As
we practice mindfulness, we begin to notice what we
have not being noticing, and it is in the magic of that
which we have not yet noticed where greater choice
and joy abides.
What have you noticed as you’ve been reading this?
What have your thoughts been doing while you’ve been
reading? Next time, we will explore how mindfulness
interacts with emotions and our thoughts. Until then,
watch, listen, and notice.
Kathy Malkin, M.C. (Counselling Psychology) is a
Mindful Schools-trained holistic coach focusing on full
potential mindful living.
wellness
Personal trainers offer
more than fitness
Workouts are opportunities to relax, learn, and more
Heather Layton
T
he other day I was thinking about my
profession and wondered about the impact
trainers can have on clients. I posed the
question to my own clients: “What else do you get
out of training other than a workout?” As I listened
carefully to their perspectives, it became clear that
a personal training relationship goes far beyond
the gym.
They told me that the hour they spend with me isn’t
just a workout: it is time for discussion, learning, and
understanding. It is a place in which they can express
how they feel, both through dialogue and exercise.
Clients also told me that whether they workout in a
group or one-on-one, the experience leaves them feeling
refreshed and proud of their effort. And, of course,
exercise has a profound calming effect, which translates
into a more enjoyable day. As we all know, feeling better
ourselves can lead to treating other people better and
having them respond better to us. This, in turn, leads to
less stress and more peace at home.
Some people told me that what they learn in a
session can be applied throughout the week, month or
even adopted as part of their lifestyle. They may even
hear a voice in their head helping them make better
decisions (it helps to feel accountable to someone
other than your spouse). All of this translates to the
understanding that they are becoming stronger,
smarter and healthier people.
Looking at my profession from this point of view
makes me recognize the true significance of personal
February Is
Heart Month
Do you know the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and what to do if
someone experiences these? Knowing can make the difference between life and
death.
Recognizing and responding immediately to the warning signs of a potential heart
attack can significantly improve survival and recovery. February is Heart Month take the time to be heart safe and learn how you can reduce your risk.
Know the signs of a heart attack
(Any or all of these signs & symptoms may occur)
•
Chest pain described as
crushing, squeezing, pressure or
chest heaviness;
•
Pain that moves beyond the
chest such as shoulder, arm,
neck or jaw pain;
•
Shortness of breath, sweating or
nausea and vomiting.
What to do when seconds count
•
•
•
Reduce your risk
Heart attack risk factors include:
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking
• High cholesterol
• Age / Gender
• Family history
Speak with your doctor about how
to treat your modifiable risk factors
and learn to be heart safe.
•
•
Call 9-1-1 immediately. Early
treatment can greatly reduce
heart damage and make the
difference of life and death.
Treatment starts the moment
EMS arrives. Paramedics can
provide oxygen, start an
intravenous and perform an
electrocardiogram (ECG).
Paramedics can also administer
important medications in the
early minutes of a heart attack to
lessen heart damage.
During transport, EMS will also
share information with the
hospital so definitive treatment
can begin immediately on arrival.
Take a CPR/AED (automated
external defibrillator) course.
Training is widely available from
many reputable organizations.
It’s easy, inexpensive, and only
takes a few hours.
(Photo: iStock)
training. If you’re considering getting fit this year,
don’t just think of a fitness professional as someone
to whip you into shape. Hire one to help you honour
your entire life.
Write for the Ragg-Times
Heather Layton is personal trainer and life coach
providing services from her studio in Magrath. For more
information, visit www.Livitfit.ca
raggtimes@riverbendonline.ca
Contact the editor at
WWW.RIVERBENDONLINE.CA
21
wellness
Care for your body with exercise and massage
Pair massage and personal training to tackle aches and pains
Heather Layton and DarleeAnn Mathieson
W
ith the daily demands of life, it seems our
own health gets placed on the back-burner
and on a very long list of “to-do’s. We are
all guilty of looking after everyone and everything else
before ourselves.
And yet, if we don’t value and don’t take care of
ourselves, we can set ourselves up for physical and
emotional stresses.
Two great ways to care for your body are massage
and exercise. The two can work together to resolve
common pain, posture, and movement issues (once
you’ve had a doctor diagnose the problem).
Therapeutic and sports massage, and other forms
of soft tissue bodywork, have wide-ranging benefits,
including: reducing tension in muscles and fascia,
and breaking down those awful knots that form
within your tissue. These knots are basically grabbing
the muscle so hard that the only way to let go is by
prying it away. This is where soft tissue and massage
work become an essential part of helping restore your
mobility and range of motion: the muscle needs to be
released before it can relax.
But where does all this tightness, discomfort and
poor mobility come from in the first place? Often it
is as simple as crappy posture, the kind where you sit
at your desk peering into the questionable email you
received, with your shoulders rounded forward and up
to your ears. This isn’t the only time you sit like this,
of course. There’s also driving, reading, and slumping
in the couch.
Bad posture not only brings a whole lot of back
pain, but it messes with how your body is actually
designed to work. Keep working in a poor position
and you’ll end up with injuries called repetitive
motion from improper movement mechanics. Let’s
put it another way: if you keep using something
inefficiently, you use far more energy than is
required and eventually, the thing will bust. In the
case of your body, that thing ends up being your
shoulder, neck, back, hips, knees, etc.
A personal trainer can assess where these
inefficiencies are and teach correct positions to be
in, not only during exercise but throughout the day.
A trainer can also show you what muscles have been
hibernating, which ones are doing all the work, and
how to learn to balance the work between them.
All too often, people think they are limited
because of pain, when actually it’s just an alignment
issue. Fix the alignment, reduce the pain and voila!
You can resume activity with less concern.
Resolving problems with muscular pain and
(Photos: iStock)
This process of retraining
muscles involves a mixture of
flexibility and strength. You
can’t become more flexible
until someone releases the
vice grip on your muscle...
you can’t strengthen until
your muscles are in the right
position...
dysfunction due to posture requires treating
both hibernating muscles and the over-achievers.
Sometimes we need certain muscles to work more
and others to work less. This process of retraining
muscles involves a mixture of flexibility and
strength. You can’t become more flexible until
someone releases the vice grip on your muscle and
FAMILY DENTISTRY IN A COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT
Our Comprehensive Dental Care and Extended
Hours can Cater to All of Your Dental Needs.
We Have Added Additional Evening Hygiene Appointments.
New Patients and Emergencies Welcome.
GENTLE FAMILY DENTAL CARE
Dr. Finley Mah
~
Dr. Kim Farrell
Ask about LUMINEERS BY CERINATE
Permanent, Pleasant, Painless
Call Today for Your Consultation!
780-468-6937
14711 - 40th Avenue NW
22
JAN/FEB 2014
you can’t strengthen until your muscles are in the
right position to be strengthened.
As your muscles respond to massage, your
program will shift to a general “maintenance.” Now
the functional strength training can start to address
muscle imbalances and deficiencies. From here
on, with a combination of massage and exercise,
you will be well on your way to fewer aches and
pains, more strength and mobility, and maybe an
improvement on your golf game, too!
DarleeAnn Mathieson is a registered and sports massage
therapist providing massage services in Blue Quill for
athletes and other physically active people. For online
bookings and information, visit DarleeAnn’s website at:
www.dmathieson.com
Heather Layton is personal trainer and life coach
providing services from her studio in Magrath. For more
information, visit www.Livitfit.ca
Calling all writers
The Riverbend Ragg-Times
needs contributors for:
•
•
•
News stories
Features
Opinion pieces
...and much more
For more info:
raggtimes@riverbendonline.ca
View our editorial guidelines at
www.riverbendonline.ca
Pets
The ‘tooth’ about bad breath
Your pet’s bad breath can be an indication of dental disease
Travis Foster
A
What if brushing my pet’s teeth is not helping
his bad breath?
What can be done?
What happens if my pet requires dentistry
under anesthesia?
pet’s bad breath is a common complaint in
a veterinary office. What many people don’t
know is bad breath can be an indication of
dental disease. Believe it or not, 85 per cent of pets
have some degree of dental disease by the age of three.
Left unchecked, dental disease causes not only bad
breath and infection, but can be painful due to loose
and/or rotting teeth. In severe cases, systemic health
problems such as heart and kidney disease can occur
as the bacteria from the mouth enter the blood stream
and become “seeded” in these organs.
As with most health concerns, prevention is the best
medicine. Since it’s a challenge for our furry friends to
pick up a toothbrush on their own, this is where we
must step in! Brushing, chewing, and tartar control
treats or food are cornerstones of at home care. Tartarcontrol diets are available that are not only designed
to have a mild abrasive texture and allow the tooth
to “sink in” while chewing, they also have ingredients
to help prevent plaque from forming. Offer teethcleaning toys or chews, however be cautious of very
hard chews as they can crack/break teeth or slice gums.
Even soft chews or rope toys can help prevent plaque
and tartar build-up.
Brushing...what do I need?
Pet-friendly, flavoured toothpastes and brushes are
available at most veterinary clinics and pet supply
stores. For cats, a small “finger brush” or gauze
wrapped around your finger can be more effective.
Note that regular human toothpaste can be harmful to
If there is plaque, tartar, or other evidence of periodontal
disease such as loose teeth or bleeding gums, veterinary
attention is required before a successful preventativecare program is effective. The veterinarian will perform
an oral exam, and may recommend a complete
dentistry under general anesthesia, depending on the
severity of the dental disease.
(Photo: iStock)
your pet due to the fluoride when swallowed – be sure
it is pet-friendly toothpaste.
How do I brush my pet’s teeth?
Gently brush or wipe the outside surfaces of all the
teeth (especially the incisors, canines, and top chewing
teeth) by manoeuvring the lips (prying the mouth open
is often not successful even with the most cooperative
patient). Brush 3-4 times a week, or daily if possible.
Getting your pet accustomed to having their mouth
handled and their teeth brushed at a young age is the
best approach. This can be slightly more challenging
for adult pets, but definitely worth the effort. As
long as the process is approached with a slow, easy,
positive attitude, and followed by a favourite treat
or play session, success can be achieved. Check out
www.petdental.ca for a step-by-step demonstration.
Love your dog?
We do too!
The teeth are scaled, polished, and any damaged or
unsalvageable teeth are managed as needed. X-rays
may be taken to determine tooth/bone infection and/
or damage. If teeth are extracted, pain medication
and antibiotics are utilized to aid in healing and
the comfort of your pet. Today’s anesthetics and
monitoring equipment are much improved from years
past, making the risk of anesthesia minimal, even in
older pets.
If there is any concern about your pet’s breath or
oral health in general, have he or she evaluated by
a veterinarian. Early intervention is key to not only
saving teeth, but in having a happier, healthier pet.
That’s something you and your pet can smile about!
Dr. Travis Foster (DVM) is the owner of the MacTaggart
Veterinary Clinic and has practiced veterinary medicine
for 12 years.
Accepting neW Applications
Riverbend
Montessori
Accredited Daycare
~ S e r v i n g t h e C o m m u n i t y f o r 1 5 Ye a r s ~
Specializing
in Preschool and
Kindergarten Programs
(Yes, these are REAL pets.)
See more on our Facebook page: facebook.com/ThePawPetSpa
Call us today at 780-436-8266 to book an appointment!
EDMONTON’S FINEST PET SPA AND BOUTIQUE
366 Bulyea Road • Edmonton, AB • T6R 2B3
780-436-8266 • info@pawpetspa.com
Open 9 to 5 Monday through Saturday
Excellent Academic Programs by qualified
staff with Level 2, 3 and/or B.Ed.
☆
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Enthusiastic teachers.
Subsidy available.
Breakfast and hot lunch.
Ages 13 months to 6 years old.
536 riverbend square
780-413-8095
780-982-5437
www.riverbendmontessori.ca
WWW.RIVERBENDONLINE.CA
23
terwillegar riverbend advisory council
TRAC starts the year on a high note
Karin Shott
TRAC Update
H
appy New Year, everyone! Here’s what the
Terwillegar Riverbend Advisory Committee
(TRAC) has been up to recently.
Christmas meeting
TRAC had their Christmas meeting on Nov. 22.
Rob Agostinis was elected as the new Edmonton
Federation of Community Leagues Area H Rep and
Andrea Phillips was welcomed as the new Greater
Windermere Ambassador. TRAC Ambassadors are
still needed for: Ogilvie Ridge, Brander Gardens,
MacTaggart, South Terwillegar, Terwillegar Gardens,
and Terwillegar Towne. If you live in one of these
areas, please consider becoming a TRAC Ambassador
for your neighbourhood.
Contact Us
Terwillegar Community
Recreation Centre
#5, 2051 Leger Road NW
Edmonton, Alberta, T6R 0R9
tracmail@tracspirit.ca
780-439-9394
Ten-year anniversary
www.tracspirit.ca
TRAC was officially incorporated Dec. 3, 2003, and
as such there are plans to commemorate the 10-year
anniversary of this event along with the first year of the
TRAC Office being open! Details will be forthcoming.
Outdoor soccer registration
Outdoor soccer registrations will be held Saturday, Feb.
1, 8, and 22. Stop by the TRAC Community Office to
purchase your community league membership before
they begin. You’ll beat the rush and enjoy a few extra
weeks of free Terwillegar Community Recreation
Centre (TCRC) access on Sundays from 5-7 p.m.
Please note this includes swimming, the indoor
children’s playground, the fitness centre, the running
track, and the flexi-halls as well! The office is located
in the Terwillegar Community Recreation Centre near
the amphitheatre past Second Cup. The TRAC office
hours are:
Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 9 a.m.-noon
Thursdays: 4-9 p.m
The first Saturday of the month: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Terwillegar Community Recreation Centre
(TCRC)
You may have noticed how busy it is on Sundays
during the free community access time! As a result
of this, the TCRC is offering the community leagues
the option of moving their swim time to 5-7p.m. on
Saturdays rather than the Sunday 5-7 p.m. time slot.
It is their hope that this will alleviate this issue, and
that it will work out to half of the community leagues
for each night. Please contact your league to let them
know which option you would prefer.
Southwest
(SWEFM)
Edmonton
Farmers’
Market
If you have not already done so, please take a short
survey to help the market grow and be more responsive
to the needs of our community. Please follow the link
below:
www.surveymonkey.com/s/SWEFM2013
TRAC Seniors
The Seniors’ Lounge is located in TCRC and is open
every Monday and Wednesday, 12-4 p.m. in MultiPurpose Room #7, just beyond the TRAC Community
Office. Stop by for “Coffee, Chat’n Cards!”
Edmonton Youth Talent Show
Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 26.Stay tuned
for more information in the next issue.
24
JAN/FEB 2014
Executive Board
Brander Gardens ROCKS staff member Reckie Lloyd gets
his photo taken with Santa for the first time (Photo: Alyssa
Agostinis).
TRAC 10K, 5K, 3K Run/Walk
Mark your calendar for Sunday, June 1. As with
any event, the organizers are looking for sponsors,
volunteers from the community, the business
community and the community leagues.
Terwillegar Wine
The first community wine is still available from Vines
Wine Merchants.
Edmonton Oil Kings Tickets – Pick your seat!
The Edmonton Oil Kings have extended a special offer
to “Area H Community League members.” The cost of
a ticket is $16 (vs. $25.75 Retail), for premium lower
bowl side or corner seats to the following games:
Saturday, Jan. 25 (vs. Calgary Hitmen)
Friday, Jan. 31 (vs. Tri-City Americans)
Friday, Feb. 14 (vs. Red Deer Rebels)
Friday, Feb. 21 (vs. Swift Current Broncos)
Saturday, Feb. 22 (vs. Vancouver Giants)
Saturday, March 1 (vs. Calgary Hitmen)
Sunday, March 2 (vs. Saskatoon Blades)
Contact Travis Ziegler for more information:
tziegler@edmontonoilers.com/780-409-2475
or in-person at Telus Field (10233-96 Ave.)
Rhymes That Bind
Free drop-in program at Riverbend United Church.
(14907 – 45th Ave.)
Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m.
For children 0-3 and their parents
For more information, please contact Sharon
at 780-884-0570.
Brander Gardens ROCKS (Reaching Out to
Community Kids)
The holiday break can be a time to gather with family
and spend time opening gifts and eating large amounts
of food. However, this isn’t something all of us are
able to experience. At the Brander Gardens ROCKS
Youth Christmas Celebration, the seasonal sharing,
celebrating and feasting were in abundance. Thanks to
the hard work and contributions of program workers
President: Sherri Jaillet-Martinez
Vice-President: Mike Boychuk
Past President: Rob Agostinis
Treasurer: Barry Davis
Community Advocate/
Office/Secretary: Sue Trigg
and volunteers, the youth celebrated together with
fresh-baked pizza from Papa Murphy’s, games and
prizes, and a visit from Santa. The laughter, screaming
and noise was a sign that, with the continued
growth of Brander Gardens ROCKS programming
and community support, our young participants
are thriving, active and growing, and enjoying the
splendour of the winter holidays.
Oil Kings Game Jan. 3
The 2014 New Year got kicked off with a bang with
Brander Gardens ROCKS youth attending an exciting
game at Rexall Place on Friday, Jan. 3, courtesy of
Riverbend community member and Edmonton
Oilers’ CEO Kevin Lowe. The youth were treated to
seats at a game between the Edmonton Oil Kings and
the Moose Jaw Warriors. For the kids, it was their first
time at a WHL game at Rexall. The result was a lot of
cheering and yelling over a very high-paced game in
which the Oil Kings dominated by scoring six goals
to the Warriors’ three, and man-handling them with
three or four fights in which the Oil Kings got the
fans cheering wildly by getting the upper hand. The
youth watched with amazement, and joined in the fun
along with 5,000 other fans. As it turns out, the youth
will be skating and playing hockey at the Brookside
rink in the next following weeks. They are sure to have
inspiration and motivation to lace up and have fun!
Upcoming TRAC Meetings at Lillian Osborne
High School
Wednesday, March 19, 7-9 p.m.
AGM Wednesday, April 23, 7-9p.m.
Wednesday, June 18, 7-9p.m.
TRAC Volunteers
TRAC has become an established entity and advocacy
group in our area. There are a multitude of opportunities
to get involved with our new initiatives. Please join
the TRAC team and Make Your Community Happen!
Catch The Spirit!
Seniors
SWESA off to a running start
Organization has ample programming for southwest seniors in 2014
Kathy Trepanier
Senior Connections
What is Swesa?
“Are you an elder or just getting older?”
—Micheal Gurian
SWESA stands for the South West
Edmonton Seniors Association. SWESA
was formed to reflect the needs of people
55 + in southwest Edmonton.
M
y resolution this year was inspired by the
book The Wonder of Aging, in which author
Michael Gurian asks the reader to consider
this time in our life as a whole new developmental
phase. Gurian challenges us to “remain visible and
become elders.” He defines elders as those who:
• Pass on specific work and wisdom
• Model life purpose and maturity
• Remain as physically and mentally active as
possible
• Connect young people and society to the
“mysteries of success, compassion, freedom and
faith”
This year I am going to more fully explore this
definition of elder. How I will develop my elder role
and how SWESA can support elders in our community.
I would love to hear what you think about becoming
an elder and supporting elders.
Christmas lights bus tour
On Dec. 16, SWESA members filled two city buses
for the first annual Christmas Light Tour. After driving
through Candy Cane Lane, shaking hands with an
enthusiastic Santa, circling the massive Christmas
tree at City Hall, the buses parked at the Legislative
Centre. More lights, hot chocolate and choir music
topped off the night.
COFFEE, CHAT ‘N CARDS - Weekly events
SWESA has two seniors’ lounges for people to drop
in, have coffee, chat with other southsiders or play a
friendly game of cards.
SWESA’s centre
(Yellowbird Community East Centre)
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 am-noon
SWESA Centre
Yellowbird East Community Centre,
10710-19 Ave.
587-987-3200
www.swedmontonseniors.ca
Robyn Roberts and her mother Geraldyne Cockerill were
among the crowd enjoying SWESA’s first Christmas Lights
Tour. (Photo: Supplied).
seniors centre in southwest Edmonton. The committee
learned a lot from centres that are now almost 30 years
old and the advice is being considered as the board
maps out plans for the next several years.
SWESA committees
SWESA will be establishing several new board
committees and is looking for committee members
with particular interests or experience. If you are
interested in volunteering on these committees - or
would just like more information, please call or email
SWESA.
Edmonton Public Library
If one of your winter resolutions is to get better with
that gizmo or gadget, camera or computer, check out
the wonderful support you can get from the library.
For more information, visit www.epl.ca/about-epl/
branches-and-hours or call 780-944-531.
Pickleball
By the time this column goes to print, the 55+ Pickleball
Group will have moved indoors at the Terwillegar
Recreational Centre. Belated congratulations to
all the players and volunteers for their first ever
Alberta 55-Plus Marigold Zone 6 Pickleball Playoffs!
Eighteen teams played for the chance to play at the
provincial playoffs. New players are also welcome.
For more information, contact Glenn Kissick at
gjkissick@gmail.com or 780-587-5198.
Free Drop-in Bridge
Riverbend Community Centre
258 Rhatigan Rd East
Thursdays 12:30-3 p.m.
Sponsored by the Riverbend Community League.
Riverbend Yoga
Riverbend Community Centre
258 Rhatigan Rd. East
Hatha Yoga, suitable for men and women of all ages.
New and experienced students welcome. To register,
call 780-437-7108.
For your ideas on this column please contact Kathy
Trepanier at email ktrepanier@shaw.ca. Kathy is a
member of the SWESA Communications Committee.
SWESA’s satellite site
(Terwilleger Community Recreation Centre)
Mondays and Wednesdays, from 1-4 p.m.
ATTENTION SENIORS (55+)!
PETROLIA SENIORS’ GROUP Invites YOU to come to enjoy
Lunch and a Program ($14) the third Tuesdays of the month
(except July and August)
Upcoming SWESA programs - 2014
SWESA will be offering more programs starting in
February. These may include: yoga, pingpong, bus
tours, a book club and informative talks at the above
Coffee, Chat ‘n Cards sessions. Watch the SWESA
website for details.
11:45 a.m. (sharp) to 2 p.m.at Greenfield Community Hall (3803 - 114 St).
Feb. 18
Dr. Lu Carbyn – Wolves and Bison in Alberta
SWESA needs assessment
March 18
SWESA wants to thank all of you who participated
in the Needs Assessment this fall. Over 200 people
were surveyed, two focus groups were held and over
a dozen groups were interviewed. The SWESA Board
will receive the report from Banister Research in
late January and use the information to confirm the
programs and services seniors want to see developed
through SWESA. The findings will be shared on the
website and an upcoming newsletter.
TBA
SWESA visits other senior centres
Last fall, a SWESA committee visited other Edmonton
seniors centres to ask their advice on establishing a
April 15
Lee Foote – Director of Devonian Gardens
In addition, enjoy an extra outing during the
month. For more information or to confirm your
attendance by the Friday preceding the lunch
meeting, please call Nick at 780-435-1045
Betty at 780-434-0711.
or
We look forward to your participation!
WWW.RIVERBENDONLINE.CA
25
classifieds
Classified Ads
Carolyn’s Housecleaning Insured & Bonded. 8 years in business.
Experienced & mature workers available for the SW Edmonton area. Call 780922-1076.
Help Wanted Part-Time Housecleaners with vehicle. Work as few hours
as you like, or eventually as many hours as you like. Daytime hours Monday to
Friday. $14/$20 per hour. Phone 780-922-1076.
Going on Holidays? We provide Home checks, yard, pet, and plant
care. Long or short getaways. Bonded and Insured.
www.customhomewatchservices.com, 780-992-2275.
NEED AN ELECTRICIAN? Call Rob - master electrician @ 780-433-3837
-Residential electrical work including service changes. Reasonable rates
Little Aspen Playschool
OPEN HOUSE
Wednesday, February 5th, 2014 (7-9 pm)
Aspen Gardens Community League Building
12015 – 39A Avenue
*3 hr programs for 3 & 4 yr olds
Our registration dates for 2014:
Current/Alumni – Wednesday, February 5 at 7-8pm
Open House – Tuesday, February 18 at 6-7:30pm
Public Registration – Saturday, February 22 at 8-10am
www.riverbendplayschool.ca
*No parent duty days
NEED A NOTARY PUBLIC OR
A COMMISSIONER FOR OATHS?
Call Riverbend Registry Services at 780.437.7355
2nd Floor, 201 – 596 Riverbend Square NW
By Appointment Only.
MONDAY - WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY - FRIDAY
SATURDAY
If you have a 3- or 4-year-old and are interested in attending a wonderful
playschool, please note that registration for Riverbend Playschool will be
taking place in February.
For more information please visit our website.
Come and meet our wonderful teachers, see our playschool, and have your questions
answered. Online registration February 10-14 at www.littleaspenplayschool.com
A
Registration time!
9:00AM - 8:00PM
9:00AM - 6:00PM
9:00AM - 4:00PM
Celebrate close to home!
The Riverbend
Community Centre
258 Rhatigan Road East
&
Brookside Hall
5320 – 143 St.
To view or book, call
Rod Ponech
780-217-1636
rentals@riverbendonline.ca
Learn more about both
facilities at
www.riverbendonline.ca
FEBRUARY 15th
SEASON PASS SALE
PURCHASE YOUR 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 4
SNOW VALLEY SEASONS PASS
AFTER FEBRUARY 15th &
HIT THE SLOPES FOR THE
REST OF THE SEASON FOR
FREE
Get yours today at Guest Services or purchase
online at WWW.SNOWVALLEY.CA
UPCOMING SNOW VALLEY EVENTS
Family Fun Day Race
The Big Hit
Photo: Snow Valley 1953
26
JAN/FEB 2014
February 17
March 1
directory
RIVERBEND COMMUNITY LEAGUE
Serving the residents of Brookside, Brander Gardens, Ramsay
Heights, and Rhatigan Ridge. www.riverbendonline.ca
BROOKVIEW COMMUNITY LEAGUE
Serving the residents of Bulyea Heights.
RCL Office
President
Elizabeth Emslie
780-437-7108
info@
riverbendonline.ca
President
Dave Rumbold
president@
riverbendonline.ca
Vice-President
Mary Lou Sedgwick
vicepresident@
riverbendonline.ca
Past President
Sheryl Bowhay
pastpres@
riverbendonline.ca
Secretary
Leslie Leeworthy
secretary@
riverbendonline.ca
www.brookviewcommunityleague.ca
Elmar Klapstein
780-468-6786
DISTRIBUTION
The Ragg-Times is distributed by Canada Post
directly to nearly 10,000 homes, online at
www.riverbendonline.ca, and on-site at several
locations throughout the Riverbend Area:
Vice President
Alexis Desrosiers
Treasurer
Joyce Vetha
Secretary
Madan Prasad
Seniors Director
Linda Allen
Sports Committee
Michelle Clarke
• Everything Cheese, 14912 - 45 Ave.
BCAL Liaison
Linda Allen
Playschool Liaison
Kelly Klapstein
• Sobeys Coffee Shop, Rabbit Hill & 23 Ave.
Casino Chair
Kelly Klapstein
Roadsign Messages
Cindy Martin
• Happy Mart, Riverbend Road & 56 Avenue
• Glassy Wines & Spirits, 14751 40 Ave.
• Cafe O’ Play, 5667 Riverbend Road
• The Medicine Shoppe, 121 Haddow Close
Treasurer
Vacant
treasurer@
riverbendonline.ca
Memberships
Karin Shott
memberships@
riverbendonline.ca
TRAC Ambassador
Sherri Jaillet
Seniors
Joan Wood
seniors@
riverbendonline.ca
• Easy Mart, 5679 Riverbend Road
Landscape
Maintenance
Cindy Martin
• Mac’s, Terwillegar Drive & 40 Avenue
Volunteer
Coordinator
Iryna Tsymbaliuk
s.media@
riverbendonline.ca
Brookview Community Centre, 280 Bulyea Road.
Community Liaison
Priya Nelson
liason@
riverbendonline.ca
GREATER WINDERMERE COMMUNITY LEAGUE
Windermere South, Windermere North, Langdale, Riverpoint, , Keswick,
Neighbourhood
Watch
Carol Kaiser
watch@
riverbendonline.ca
Events/Fundraising
Sue Trigg
events@
riverbendonline.ca
Memberships
Karin Shott
memberships@
riverbendoline.ca
Facilities/
Maintenance
Steve Sedgwick
maintenance@
riverbendoline.ca
Rinks
Don Lore
skatingrink@
riverbendonline.ca
Peanut Butter &
Jam Playground
Vanessa Kovacs
pbjchair@gmail.
com
RIVERBEND COMMUNITY LEAGUE BUILDINGS
Brookside Building (5320 – 143 Street)
Riverbend Community Centre (258 Rhatigan Rd. E)
Building Rentals
Rod Ponech - 780-217-1636
rentals@riverbendonline.ca
PROGRAMS (Open to members of any community league)
PB&J Playgroup
pbjchair@gmail.com
Riverbend
Playschool
Susan Burke
www.riverbendplayschool.org
Adult Yoga
Bev Moore
Paige Elniski
780-437-7108
Bridge
Open
780-437-7108
Serving the residents of Glenridding, Windermere, Upper Windermere,
South Rural and WestPoint. GWCL, 18102-8 Ave SW, Edmonton, AB,
T6W 1A5
President
George Yan
georgeyanedm@gmail.com
Memberships
Julie Heuman
tjheuman@telus.net
THE RIDGE COMMUNITY LEAGUE
Serving the residents of Henderson Estates, Falconer Heights and
Haddow. P.O. Box 21063, Edmonton, AB, T6R 2V4. Memberships are available at: Milestone Insurance Services at 14131-23
Avenue NW (Market at Magrath), or online at www.efcl.org.
www.theridgeonline.ca
info@theridgeonline.ca
President
David Faber
780-983-3253, dfaber@shaw.ca
Memberships
Tove Nielsen
tnielsen235@gmail.com
OAK HILLS COMMUNITY LEAGUE
Serving the residents of Whitemud Oaks and Whitemud Hills.
oakhills.cl@gmail.com
SPORTS PROGRAMS
These programs are open to all Riverbend-Terwillegar residents
holding current Community League memberships.
Basketball (Youth)
www.southwestbasketball.com
Karate
Marc Samson
780-484-2805
Edmonton Girls
Hockey
Registrar
780-868-2801
Ringette
ringette-edmonton.com
Softball (SEMS)
www.southedmontonminorsoftball.ca
SWAT Hockey
swat.ab.ca
TRSA Soccer
Charlane Gorsak
President
Tariq Chaudary
Vice-president
Bill Bromling
Secretary
Sandra Boyes
Treasurer
Joanna Chen
Program director
Mike Boychuk
Memberships
Kimberly Baher
kimbaher@shaw.ca
OTHER AREA COMMUNITY LEAGUES
MEMBERSHIP CONTACTS
orcl.whitemudcreek.ca
780-437-1331
Ogilvie Ridge
Connie Samycia
csamycia@telusplanet.net
Terwillegar
www.terwillegar.org
• Milestone Insurance Services
• Safeway, Shoppers Drug Mart, and the
Riverbend Public Library, Terwillegar Drive
& Rabbit Hill Road.
• Second Cup (Market at Magrath, Riverbend
Square, and in the TCRC)
• Snow Valley
• Riverbend Community Centre
258 Rhatigan Road E.
• The UPS Store in Terwillegar
14032-23 Avenue
The Riverbend Ragg-Times thanks these businesses
for their community service in carrying the
newspaper.
The Riverbend Ragg-Times
is funded and published solely through
the support of advertisers, sponsors, and
community leagues in and around the
Riverbend/Terwillegar area.
They support us so please support them!
HODGSON COMMUNITY LEAGUE
Serving the residents of Whitemud Ridge. Memberships are available at
Everything Cheese (45 Ave & Riverbend Road).
http://sites.google.com/site/ourhodgson/
President
Tania Hrebicek
threbicek@shaw.ca
Memberships
Jeremy Burke
jeremy.burke0@gmail.com
Sports Director
Dragos Niculescu
dragosn@yahoo.com
Community League Membership Application
To verify your league eligibility or purchase a membership online, please visit the Edmonton
Federation of Community Leagues (EFCL) website, www.efcl.org
Adult #1:
Date:
Adult #2:
Membership Type:
Address:
Senior/Single/Couple/Family (circle)
May we send you news by email? Y/N (circle)
Postal code:
Willing to volunteer? Y/N (circle)
Phone number:
Fee (families - $45, single/couple/seniors -$35): _____
Email:
Donation:
Children’s names:
Total Paid:
Cash:
Cheque:
Mail completed form, along with payment, to
the applicable address below:
1. For Riverbend, Brookview, Hodgson, The
Ridge, Greater Windermere* and Oak Hills
community leagues:
c/o TRAC at Terwillegar Comm Rec Centre
#5, 2051 Leger Road NW
Edmonton, Alberta, T6R 0R9
2. Ogilvie Ridge Community League
951 Ogilvie Blvd
Edmonton, AB, T6R 1K8
*Cheque payable to applicable community league
No. of skate tags required:
*Check website for fees.
WWW.RIVERBENDONLINE.CA
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JAN/FEB 2014
finance
Make the most of your RSP investments
A few tips to help you make your dollars grow faster
Greg Mailo
Investing
I
nvesting in a Retirement Savings Plan (RSP) offers
many benefits, but two often stand out.
One, your annual RSP contribution can
reduce the amount of tax you pay in that year. And
two, the money you put away has years of tax-deferred
growth potential. In other words, you only pay tax on
the money when you start withdrawing it. You should
always try your best to follow a systematic approach
to your RSP investment. Your results will almost
certainly be better that way. As with most things in
life, it pays to pay attention.
The key is compound interest and it’s vital to your
RSP investment. With compound interest, you earn
interest on both the principal (the amount you save)
and the interest that principal produces. In other
words, this means that an investment of $300,000
earning simple interest at 6 per cent would deliver
$36,000 interest after two years.
With compound interest, that same 6 per cent
would deliver $37,080. Doesn’t sound like much?
Wait. After three years at simple interest you get
$54,000 interest. With compound interest, you get
$57,305 interest. Big difference. And, as the years
progress, the compounding effect multiplies.
Here are some quick suggestions you can discuss
with your investment advisor to help achieve a winning
RSP investment strategy:
Start a regular purchase plan:
Make investing in your RSP easy by investing weekly,
bi-weekly, or monthly instead of contributing to
your RSP in a lump sum once every year. Set aside
a smaller amount each month, rather than a larger
amount at the end of the year.
Use your tax refund wisely:
Rather than spending your tax refund, consider paying
down your loans, credit cards or mortgage. Carrying
debt creates a negative pull on your hard-earned
investment returns.
Maximize your RSP contributions:
Your contribution limit is 18 per cent of your
(Photo: iStock)
previous year’s earned income, to a maximum of
$23,820 for 2013 and $24,270 for 2014, less any
pension adjustment, if applicable. The deadline for
RSP contributions is March 3, 2014.
Develop a long-term investment plan:
RSPs are an important part of your overall investment
strategy, but they are not the only part.
You should always
try your best to follow a
systematic approach to your
RSP investment. Your results
will almost certainly be
better that way.
Diversify:
Diversify your portfolio between investments geared
to a combination of safety, income, and growth. Again,
your investment advisor can help you make sense of
these issues and ensure you make sensible decisions
about them.
Name your spouse as the beneficiary:
Under the Income Tax Act, upon death, the assets in
an RSP can be automatically transferred tax-free to
your spouse’s plan, avoiding probate fees and income
taxes.
Consider your spouse’s RSP:
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Income splitting can
reduce your household’s
total payable income
tax. Ask your investment
advisor about this.
Get your RSP contribution out of “park”:
Every year, many Canadians “park” their planned RSP
contributions in money market funds or other shortterm investments, rather than investing for the longterm. While understandable, this temporary parking
means that their money could potentially be growing
and generating a better return, if it were invested it
immediately in a long-term strategy.
If you feel that you need help to tackle this process,
the answer’s really quite simple. Start a conversation
with a professional investment advisor about your
long-term financial goals. It is never too soon to put a
winning RSP investment strategy in place.
Greg Mailo is an Investment Advisor with TD Wealth
Private Investment Advice and can be contacted at
780-448-8944 or greg.mailo@td.com. More information
is available at www.mailowealth.com.
Forest of Jewels
428 Riverbend Square
780-438-3682
w w w.fo re s to fje w e l s . c o m
Diamonds – Repairs – Custom Designs – Appraisals – Fine Gemstones
Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am-6 pm, saturdays 10 am-5 pm
Closed sundays and Mondays
WWW.RIVERBENDONLINE.CA
29
politician’s corner
Attention Women over 35:
Riverbend Mother Of 3 Discovers
the “Missing Link” That Sheds Extra
Pounds Quickly and Easily –
Even Stubborn Baby Weight!
Look and feel years younger without brutal
workouts or scary supplements that do
more harm than good.
Hi! I’m Carolyn Box and just a few years ago I was where you are. I had three
beautiful children and the body to prove I’d been through three pregnancies.
I didn’t look the way I wanted to and I certainly didn’t feel the way I wanted
to feel.
Perhaps you know what I’m talking about: daily aches and pains, nagging
tiredness, maybe even shoulder, back or knee pain.
Like me you may have joined a gym only to quit in frustration when the
weight just wouldn’t budge or the workouts resulted in more pain.
You didn’t fail – the system failed!
Most gyms simply toss you into the crowd and expect you to workout on the
equipment provided with very little guidance. If you’re not seeing the results
you want, their answer is “work out harder.”
How could you possibly be successful with such a haphazard approach?
Did you know that some of the exercises you thought were helping you build
muscle and lose fat were actually doing exactly the opposite?
That’s right – all that effort wasn’t helping you, it was hurting you.
Exercise should improve your health – not destroy it!
Good workouts make you strong with long-term muscle health. They aren’t
painful and don’t make you so sore you limp home.
Pain is an indication that something is wrong. If you exercise without
correcting the problem, you only make the problem worse.
That’s what led me to discover the “missing link”. It’s what made a profound
difference in my own life; allowing me to go from a size 16 to a size 6 and
get the strong, trim body I so desperately wanted.
I’ve shared this system with my clients with phenomenal results: sustainable
weight loss, higher energy levels, better balance and flexibility and of course,
trim, toned bodies.
Undeniable results…
I know this system works. It has worked for me and for my
clients. Every day I see evidence that the missing link is the
secret to sustainable weight loss and the trim, fit body that
others envy.
City workers support local groups
Bryan Anderson
City Councilor, Ward 9
E
dmonton is full of great
people and it’s these
people who help make our
communities great places to live.
It’s important that the people and
community groups of Edmonton
have access to information and
support when they need it.
The city’s Community Services
department works with citizens
and communities to create a
safe, healthy and vibrant city. On
any given day, this department
manages hundreds of activities
in its commitment to serving the
people of Edmonton.
The city has a team of individuals
called Community Recreation
Coordinators (CRCs) whose role (Photo: Courtesy of Bryan Anderson).
is to provide information and
support to community groups that
The city has a team
offer opportunities for citizens to
of individuals called
get involved and work towards
enhancing their communities.
Community Recreation
A CRC is assigned to each
Coordinators whose role
neighbourhood and supports
is to provide information
community groups, community
leagues
and
partnering
and support to
organizations, schools and citizens,
community groups....
to make sure city programs and
services operate effectively in
communities. Your CRC can help
you in many ways, including:
connecting you with city services,
assisting with funding applications, advising on park and green space development,
helping with planning processes and public involvement plans, and helping organize
community events.
Not sure where to start with a community initiative or idea? Contact your CRC.
If you do not know the name of your CRC, you can find out by phoning 311.
If you have any questions, concerns or comments, let me know, call
780-496-8130 or email bryan.anderson@edmonton.ca
Here’s what a few of my clients have to say…
“I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in.” Wendy
“So far I’ve lost 30 pounds … I would recommend
Outside the Box to anyone…” Breanna
“I’ve lost at least 10 pounds so far … I have so
much more energy … I used to have shoulder
pain all the time … it doesn’t hurt anymore.
Carolyn is a great motivator; I never would have
been able to do this without her!” Jen
Community Recreation
Coordinators can help
FEELING CABIN FEVER?
Carolyn Box
Certified Personal Training
Specialist & mother of 3
The Missing Link Revealed
Call 587-487-6050 to hear a recorded message where I reveal the missing
link and how it’s helped women like you get the body they always wanted.
There’s no obligation – I want you to have this information even if you decide
our fitness system isn’t for you.
Kiss your extra weight and pain goodbye and say hello to the real you – trim,
fit, strong and pain free! Call today!
587-487-6050
www.OutsidetheBoxFitness.ca
ONLY 6 FRIDAY MORNING SPOTS LEFT
1
30OTB Fitness_Ad.indd
JAN/FEB 2014
1/6/2014 11:54:34 AM
politician’s corner
New Year will bring change for Alberta
On the agenda: the Building Alberta Plan, more spaces in classrooms,
and post-secondary education
Dave Hancock
MLA Edmonton Whitemud
W
elcome to 2014. I hope everyone
in Riverbend and throughout the
Edmonton-Whitemud constituency had
an opportunity to enjoy the holiday season and spend
some quality time with loved ones.
Just before the holiday season, I was very honoured
to be asked by Premier Redford to become Alberta’s
Deputy Premier and the Minister of Innovation and
Advanced Education. Like many of you, I’m very
much looking forward to the opportunities and
challenges that 2014 will bring.
In 2013, Alberta made tremendous progress
and your government made significant strides on
implementing the Building Alberta Plan – our plan
to build an even better quality of life for Albertans.
We introduced and passed almost three-dozen bills,
which invest in families and communities, ensure
government lives within its means and work to open
new markets for our resources.
In Edmonton Whitemud and neighbouring
southwest, we announced three new schools to deal
with the single biggest issue in our area: school space
for our burgeoning population of children. In 2014,
we will continue to focus on our Building Alberta
Plan and my ministerial focus will on the advanced
education and innovation agenda.
I am not new to the advanced education portfolio
as I was the minister of Advanced Education from
2004-2006. While my time as minister was several
years ago, I have always paid very close attention to
the file as it is a personal passion of mine and is very
important to my constituents and Albertans.
My belief is that every Albertan should have the
opportunity to advance their education. Education
is not only a personal investment, it is also a public
good. Finances should never be a barrier to a student
getting an education.
Prior to being elected I served for seven years on
My belief is that every
Albertan should have the
opportunity to advance their
education. Education is not
only a personal investment, it
is also a public good. Finances
should never be a barrier to a
student getting an education.
(Photo: Courtesy of Dave Hancock)
the Student Finance Board, engaging first hand in
developing a system of financial supports to ensure
every Albertan has the opportunity to reach full
potential.
We have a very strong and a high-quality postsecondary system in Alberta providing a full range
of educational opportunities, from achieving adult
literacy, acquiring a red seal trade, developing
technology, pursing the liberal arts or sciences, and
graduate and post-graduate studies and research.
Seventy per cent of the new jobs in Alberta will require
some form of post-secondary education.
We need to ensure that we encourage all students
to complete their high school education and aspire
to continue in whatever field for which they have
aptitude and passion.
Our community in Edmonton-Whitemud knows
the benefits of a good education and understands
that education at all levels is one of the most
important investments that individuals, families,
and governments can make. I am a graduate of the
University of Alberta, where I graduated with a BA
in political science, economics and history, and then
went on to obtain my law degree. My education was
the best investment I ever made. I’m sure many of you
have similar stories. My new role is to make sure every
Albertans have similar opportunities to pursue their
passions and reach their full potential.
The other aspect of my portfolio is innovation
and economic development.
I hope to
touch more on those roles in my next article
If you have thoughts on my new role or any other issues,
please contact me at dave.hancock@gov.ab.ca, visit my
Minister Dave Hancock facebook page, or follow me on
twitter @davehancockMLA.
Celebrate close to home!
The Riverbend
Community Centre
258 Rhatigan Road East
To view or book, call
Rod Ponech
780-217-1636
rentals@riverbendonline.ca
&
Brookside Hall
5320 – 143 St.
Learn more about both
facilities at
www.riverbendonline.ca
WWW.RIVERBENDONLINE.CA
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JAN/FEB 2014