Aspen News
Making the neighborhood you want to live in!
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Message From Our President |
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Remember this time last year? Calendars overflowing with activities and events, so much to do, so little time. Fast forward to now – December 2020. Some of us at staying at home quietly, others surrounded by bored, sometimes noisy kids. Many working on front lines, caring, and dedicated in spite of sometimes frightening situations. Each of us dealing with challenges we never imagined.
The AGCL board has been working overtime to find safe ways for us to do different things and stay connected. Unfortunately, this also involves implementing some tough restrictions, such as recently limiting the number of people on an ice rink to 10 at a time during the current public health emergency.
Every board decision is made with careful consideration, always following AHS regulations and guidelines. I’m personally asking each of us to respect these decisions, and the board members who are making them. If you have a question, or want to discuss this, please contact me at [email protected]. Please don’t contact Tracy, our amazing volunteer rink guru, or AGCL board members directly. And please talk with your family about what we can and can’t do at this time.
That said, thank you to each of your for celebrating safely as a community. Together this year you’ve contributed generously to the Food Bank, enjoyed our Food Truck evenings, and Harvest Fest with the Segway rides. Many of you designed marvelous, spooky Halloween displays in front of your home, and creative treat-giving methods.
And now we have some great holiday decorating underway – have you seen the neighborhood ice bar? (not for community use sadly - but definitely makes you smile when walking/driving by). We’re encouraging people to take some extra time this year if possible, to decorate homes and take a family walk to check out the creativity! We are happy to provide a Drop and Go – December 10th - when you can donate to the Food Bank, Santa’s Anonymous, and the Bissel Centre (see below in newsletter). Donation boxes will be at the community league parking lot.
This year we’re in a competition with all South West community leagues. The league donating the most food wins $500 from the AMA. When Aspen/Westbrook wins – as I’m sure we will! – we’ll use our prize for an awesome end-of-COVID community event.
A most kind and peaceful holiday wish for everyone in Aspen/Westbrook. Thank you for together making this such a great neighbourhood.
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Neighbours, thank you for your continued support over these past 7 months. We hope everyone is staying safe and well. As you know, COVID is creating unique challenges for many people, including community leagues like ours who normally go door to door to sell memberships.
During COVID, we have decided NOT to go door to door for membership sales, and NOT hand delivering paper newsletters. All newsletters will be email only (like this one).
But we still need your support! Please go online this year to buy your membership. Information is found here on our website. Those community members who purchased memberships online can go to 4128 125 St - where skate tags will be left in the mailbox (help-yourself).
Please let neighbours know to sign up for online newsletters by contacting us at [email protected]
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Upcoming Opportunity: Drop & Go! |
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When: Dec 10
Time: 4.30-8.30pm
Where: AGCL Hall Parking Lot
We are super proud to being you our AGCL Drop and Go opportunity! We will be accepting donations in drop boxes at the Community Hall parking lot from 430 - 830 Dec 10th for:
This year we’re in a competition with all South West community leagues for Food Bank donations! The league donating the most food wins $500 from the AMA. When Aspen/Westbrook wins – as I’m sure we will! – we’ll use our prize for an awesome end-of-COVID community event.
If you have items to drop off, but don't feel comfortable, please ask your neighbour to take them for you. Please don't hang out in the parking lot after dropping items.
While out, spend time that evening walking through the neighborhood to enjoy the holiday lights.
In a time when we are being asked to ‘pull together’ to keep everyone safe, let’s also work together to put a little light in our lives, give to those less fortunate, and make the sky above Aspen/Westbrook glow with community spirit!
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Rink Update (*new changes*) |
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As of Dec 1, we have new rink guidelines.
Due to COVID and recent restrictions, there are important changes for us to share with you regarding skating on the community rinks. Please note these are public health guidelines that we MUST follow as a community.
PUBLIC HEALTH GUIDELINES STATE:
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There is a maximum capacity of 10 people on each ice surface. If it is too busy, please come back and skate another time. If you are a family already skating, please be mindful of the time spent on the ice and allow room (time) for others to enjoy it as well.
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Shinny is now ALLOWED, but physical distancing must be followed on the ice. Please note, we only allow for sticks and pucks in the boarded rinks.
- The boot room will remain closed due to COVID.
AGCL GUIDELINES STATE:
- Absolutely no sticks and pucks will be allowed on the pond (surface without boards)
- Sticks and pucks are ONLY allowed on rinks surrounded by boards
- All ice surfaces are family friendly. Expect to see all ages and abilities on all ice surfaces
Parents, please talk to family members about these rules.
If anyone is on the ice and breaking public health guidelines above and attached, feel free to notify by-law officers who are responsible for enforcement. Anyone caught breaking these rules can be fined.
Please help us keep the rinks open and keep our community safe by following these guidelines. Non-adherence to these guidelines will result in the rinks being closed for the Winter 2020/2021 season.
We appreciate your support. Help us keep our community safe and happy this winter.
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Love the Beautiful Game? We Need You!
AGCL is looking for a new Soccer Director for the upcoming 2021 season (season and play rules COVID dependent).
Our soccer program is run 'in house'. This means that we play at the same field in our own community and your child gets to play with children from the community (and surrounding area) and you get to mingle with parents from the community as well. It's a lot of fun and a great non competitive environment.
Interested in helping? Or know someone who might be?! Email Shauna at [email protected]
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COMMUNITY SWIM
As of September 6, 2020 the Exclusive Pool Use and Unified Community League Access Program was suspended for the remainder of 2020, as per the City of Edmonton.
Community League Members still have the opportunity to use the Community League Wellness Program. This Program allows access to those facilities that are open, at any time. The Wellness Program includes:
- Annual Membership - 20% discount on Adult, Family, Child, and Youth/Senior Annual Memberships
- Multi Admission Pass* - 15% discount on our already discounted multi admission pass (5+ visits)
- Continuous Monthly Membership - 20% discount off an on-going monthly membership using our convenient Pre-Authorized Debit Program.
These discounted memberships can be acquired by presenting your valid Edmonton community league membership card at any one of the City of Edmonton's sports and fitness facilities. Community league members who purchase one of the options will be issued a photo access card to be swiped at each admission.
* Applies to new purchases only. Please visit the City of Edmonton’s Activities, Parks & Recreation website to see what facilities have opened.
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FAMILY FUTURES RESOURCE NETWORK
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From the City of Edmonton |
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Confederation District Park, located in the Royal Gardens neighbourhood in southwest Edmonton, is planned for renewal with construction beginning in summer 2021. In 2018 a Master Plan for the park was developed with input from community members, park users, and stakeholders that established a long term vision for the park.
The City of Edmonton is now moving forward into the design phase of the project, and we invite you to share your input and feedback on the design, including park amenities both for the initial renewal, planned to begin construction in summer 2021, as well as input on park amenities that could be completed in the future if funding becomes available.
Online Public Engagement Opportunities - Available Today (November 30th) to December 14th, 2020:
· Provide feedback through an online survey
· Review the draft preliminary design and details on the future plan for the park
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Looking for occasional child care from teens right in your neighborhood? Look no further!
Brooke Tyson: Aged 13. She has completed the Red Cross babysitting course. She is very good with children and can do housework (e.g., dishes, cleaning, cooking) when kids are asleep. Contact Brooke @ 780-720-9067
Casey Needham: Aged 13. He has completed his babysitting course and has been babysitting for over a year. He loves to bring games to play with the kids and playing sports with them if they are interested. Contact via Tara @ 780-916-3294
Casey and Claire Nerdahl: Ages 14 and 13. Casey and Claire are sisters and both have completed the Red Cross babysitting course. They enjoy babysitting together when there are 2 or more kids and are great with pets and pet sitting too. They are available most weekends and occasionally after school. Contact @ 780-993-9677
Jonas Jaggard. Aged 15. He has completed the babysitting course through Breath for Life. He prefers working with children ages 3 and up who are potty trained.Contact via Janice Baskin (c) 780-232-1747 or [email protected]
Maddy Dublenko. Aged 13. Maddy has completed her babysitting course and lives in Aspen Gardens. Contact via Nicki @ 780-267-4277.
Patience McCurdy: Aged 18. She loves band, art and being creative. Patience has a part time job at an after school care facility, as well as a child development assistant certification and she has completed 2 babysitting courses. Contact Patience @ 780-935-2803.
Samson Pretzlaff: Aged 13. He has his babysitting certificate. He is very a very responsible teen, and has helped coach soccer and has been the Junior Representative on AGCL. Contact via Sara @ 780-983-4034
Sarah Veale: Aged 14. She has her babysitting certificate and lives in Aspen Gardens. She has 3 regular clients and is great with kids of all ages, babysitting for over 1 year.She is in French immersion and is a great singer so often sings with the kids. Contact via Jenny @ 780-699-1256
Sophie Paul: Aged 14. She has completed her babysitting course and she has experience babysitting toddlers and school aged children. Sophie is allergic to cats. Contact via Jody@ 780-966-7511 or email [email protected]
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Community Membership is available for purchase online and has it's benefits, including discounts at:
- 15% on multi-admission passes to City of Edmonton recreation centres
- 20% on annual passes to City of Edmonton recreation centres
- discounts at the following local retailers:
- 5% at Petrolia Liquor Store
- 10% at Square One Coffee
- 10% at Blue Sky Dogs
- 10% at Stone & Wheel Pizza
- 10% at Roma Pizza & Donair
- 10% at Anava Esthetics Studio
- No GST at Westbrook Drycleaners
- Good Stock Restuarant & Catering
2020-2021 Community League Memberships will be available for purchase during the Food truck event in July. Depending on COVID this Fall, there may be no door to door sales this year, so please come by and grab your membership!
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BLUE SKY DOGS PROFESSIONAL DOG WALKING AND PET CARE:
Dog walking, Pet Sitting, and Pet Visits. Licensed, Insured and Bonded. Visit blueskydogs.ca, email [email protected] or call 780-903-8016. 10% discount for AGCL members!
WESTBROOK TUTORING SERVICES:
Nicole Gilbert, certified teacher and learning coach of 28 years, is continuing to offer private tutoring and mentoring in the neighbourhood. Tailoring my approach to the learning styles of each child, I offer assistance to students of all ages and competencies. Committed to developing long-standing rapport with families in the community, I now offer both online and in-home services employing full AHS protocols. Please contact me at 780-218-1319 or [email protected]
MUSIC LESSONS:
Piano lessons in your own home, beginners a specialty. Evening, afternoon, daytime spots avail. Richard Van oosterom, B.Mus, [M. Mus (courses)] piano, theory, harmony, RCM, and university exam preparation. 780-437-2391 (home), 780-292-3489 (cell), [email protected] or www.mauranuimusic
JIM’S HOME MAINTENANCE SERVICE:
Experience with plumbing, painting, install and repair of toilets, faucet, drywall, cleaning roofs, gutters, grout and silicone bathtubs. $30/hr, 20% off AGCL members. [email protected]
TOOL MAN TIM (TMT), NEW HANDY MAN in the HOOD:
Light yard and home maintenance, rototilling, small projects, long time recently retired (early) AG resident, building a small local client base. Give Tim a call to see if he can help you. 780-940-6800, [email protected]
HANDMADE CROCHET NECK COWLS, WRIST BANDS, & NECK WARMERS:
100% Alberta grown ALPACA wool. Eco-friendly, non-allergenic, soft & soothing. Great for gifts! Contact: [email protected]
ANDROMEDA INSPIRATION
2.5 inch wide crocheted wrist bands, with removable Angel Bear finger puppet. Also in Andromeda cowls and skinny wrist band party favours. Makes great You and Me gifts/ friendship gifts. Made with Merino wool, silk noil, mohair, firestar Art Yarn. Puppet in cotton and merino. Please email Monica at [email protected]
HAPPINESS IS YOU PHOTOGRAPHY
MASSAGE THERAPY
Elena is a certified and licensed R.M.T offering mobile massage therapy in Aspen Gardens and the surrounding communities. Appointments available between the hours of 10 AM and 1:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Flexible hours available on the weekends. For bookings, please contact Elena via call or text at 780-655-1669.
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Aspen Gardens Community League | www.aspengardens.ca |
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