January 2015

JANUARY 2015

Fireworks, food and champagne were in abundance at Artspace Housing Co-op on Saturday, December 13. “Friends of SAIL” were celebrating the end of the labour dispute between the home care company Supports for Artspace Independent Living (SAIL) and the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE). The 180 people who live at Artspace are now enjoying the return of peace to their street after 219 days of picketing by AUPE. Roxanne Ulanicki, President of the Board of Directors of SAIL issued the following statement: “The labor dispute between the home care company Supports for Artspace Independent Living Inc. (SAIL) and the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) is over. A mutually agreed upon settlement has been reached. SAIL

Inc. wishes AUPE and its members all the best in their future endeavours.” AUPE will not be involved in the future delivery of SAIL’s home care service at Artspace. With funding from Alberta Health Services, SAIL will continue to offer its unique consumer-driven, self-directed model of home care to the user members who

live at Artspace Housing Co-operative. Artspace is a vibrant 88 unit Co-op that is part of the Riverdale community on 93 Avenue and 101 A Avenue. Artspace offers housing (apartments and condominiums) to a diverse community of 180 people, including people with disabilities and seniors. Up to 30 Co-op members use the home care services of SAIL. Dr. Heidi Janz, an advocate for self-managed care, commented on the resolution of the labour dispute, “It is worth noting that, in the end, sanity prevailed, and Artspace residents with disabilities who rely on SAIL to provide homecare retained their say in

who provides their care. Autonomy over our care affirmed and restored.” At the “Friends of SAIL” party on December 13th, several speeches were made. Users of SAIL, SAIL Board members, and other members of Artspace expressed their gratitude to those very special Riverdale residents who showed their encouragement through: letters, Facebook messages, phone calls, music performances and attendance at “Friends of SAIL” meetings and events. These Riverdalians did not let political, professional or union affiliation stand in their way of speaking truth to power. They helped to stop the outrageous bullying abuse on the picket line, behavior well documented in the video and photographs taken by a private security company and others. These Riverdalians did not play the role of the “silent bystander”. These Riverdalians did not accept the argument that AUPE’s “leverage” or “incitement” tactics against children, seniors, and the disabled were a justifiable means to an end. These Riverdalians took action to show that, above all else, they cared about the health and welfare of their neighbours. Thank you for helping to restore peace in our neighbourhood.

January 2015

Riverdale General League Meeting, Monday January 5 @ 7pm, Riverdale Community Hall Topic: community safety

Guest speakers: REACH Edmonton, Riverdale EPS Community Liaison Constable & Scott McKeen.

Artspace No Longer Under Siege: Labour Dispute Resolved Between SAIL Inc. and AUPE Lorna Thomas

Early morning commuters take it slow and steady (with a little help from their friends) while climbing up Cameron Avenue during Riverdale’s first snowstorm of the season.  

Photo: Jodine Chase, Engaging Riverdalians [November 28, 2014]  

Year's Day January 1, 2015, 2:00pm - 5:00pm.

Riverdale Rink House

Family Fun in Riverdale

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In November a group of a dozen Riverdalians sat in circle with Aboriginal Elders who held a pipe ceremony to provide wisdom and guidance to the RARC committee as we begin to lay down the values and framework

for our activities in 2015. The Elders were generous in all their words and prayers but a clear message came through that the time for reconciliation is now - get started! Based on this direction we have rolled up our sleeves and hope to create a path that will build awareness, understanding based on truth and that will uplift without glossing over the pain in our shared Canadian history. Thanks to the Riverdale Community League who has provided the Hall to the Indian Residential Schools Reconciliation Health Support Program, a group of program workers and Elders who meet bi-monthly to support and learn from each other. At these gatherings they hold ceremonies with Elders that the community will on occasion be invited to participate in. In 2015 the committee will also be inviting Riverdalians to a number of gatherings that will include cultural events (music and art), historical presentations, opportunities to learn about Aboriginal traditions and spirituality through activities such as Elder teachings, medicine picking and occasions to participate at cultural events such as Pow-Wows. Many of these events will be family oriented so that all ages can grow in understanding and build lasting relationships with Aboriginal people. These events will be announced in the Riverdalian and on “Engaging Riverdalians”. On Monday, January 19, 2015 (7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Riverdale House) the RARC is pleased to offer the presentation, “Stories of Survival”, by our own Riverdalians - Ken Armstrong and Leanne Warrenchuk. They have both worked as Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Workers and have worked with homeless and Aboriginal populations for over 10 years. Through Ken’s award winning photography, storytelling, and open dialogue, Riverdalians will have the opportunity to learn about the reality of inner-city people affected by the Indian Residential School System and the hope for the future. “For over 100 years, Aboriginal children were removed from their families and sent to institutions called residential schools. The government-funded, church-run schools were located across Canada and established with the purpose to eliminate parental involvement in the spiritual, cultural and intellectual development of Aboriginal children. The last residential school closed in 1996” (the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada website). When I first saw this presentation I felt a door had finally cracked opened, ever so slightly, so that I could begin to build a greater understanding of the unresolved trauma passed from generation to generation of Aboriginal people as a result of the Residential School system. As a Riverdalian who often walks along the river valley and in the downtown core my compassion has grown for the Aboriginal people I encounter who in some cases are homeless, addicted and poor. Please note this presentation contains graphic content that is for adults only.

Riverdale Aboriginal Reconciliation Committee (RARC) Madeleine Smith

Photo: Ken Armstrong 

Riverdale’s NetZero Duplex for Sale FANTASTIC RIVERDALE NET ZERO HOME offers ultra ENERGY EFFICIENT design with RENEWABLE ENERGY strategies to produce more energy than it consumes over the course of a year. This "healthy duplex", is located in the downtown

residential core of Edmonton's highly-sought after neighborhood of Riverdale. FEATURES include a modern "open concept" floor plan, spacious kitchen complete with high end appliances, 2 levels of hardwood flooring, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, custom designed window coverings, upper balcony off of the master bedroom, AC, stunning lower level stone patio (with awning) surrounded by beautiful landscaping & stone work, a professionally developed basement highlights hand painted stained concrete floors & is host to a second family room, additional bedroom & laundry area. Located across the street from the river valley - just steps from the running/walking trails & minutes to downtown. EXTREMELY low utility costs and no condo fees. Learn more about this EXCEPTIONAL HOME listing by checking the SOLD SISTERS website:

http://patliviniuk.com/mylistings.html/details-44260423

Jen & Pat Liviniuk RE/MAX REAL ESTATE

JANUARY 2015

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WinterLabyrinthWalkSaturday

January10,2015

If you would like to walk a labyrinth, you are once again welcomed by Jean Ure and Sheryl Ackerman to do so on January 10th at Riverdale Hall: 9231 – 100 Ave. Drop in any time between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The WALK is open to all ages. This is an opportunity for renewal - to walk a labyrinth in silence.

A donation would be appreciated.

MYSTERY SNOWBLOWER REVEALED! Following the heaviest dump of snow this winter, a good number of folks along 101A Avenue, 89th and 90th Streets were wondering who cleaned their front sidewalks on Black Friday. It was none other than their good neighbour Paul Lanctot. After his work on 90th Street south of 101A, he buzzed by Tree Frog, then plowed a route across 89th Street. He cleared a path to the newspaper boxes and Big Sisters’ used-clothing deposits bins, and continued on south. “Once I got the snowblower going, I thought I’d just keep it going,” he shouted over the roar of his machine. Many warm thoughts coming your way, Paul! Much appreciated!

Text & photo: Allan Shute 

Riverdale Community League Membership Update Audrey Chomik I’d like to extend A HUGE THANK YOU to our fabulous team of canvassers and volunteers! Gillian Austin, Maggie Ballantyne, Jodine Chase, Dave Chomik, Virendra Gupta, Pamela Johnson, Margaret Marean, Bill Moore-Kilgannon, Lisa Mackenzie, Sarah Miller, Anna Ospyshko, Dawn Poskocil, Linda Ramussen, Sue Stuparek, Lorna Thomas, and Judy Wolodko. It would be absolutely impossible to do this job without you. THANK YOU!!! This super-crew of canvassers have been knocking on doors all over the neighbourhood. Have they missed you? If so, you can contact me to purchase your Riverdale Community League Membership. The membership year runs from September 1st to August 31st. What does your membership support? We use our membership numbers in grant applications to pay for summer programs. We use the funds generated by membership sales to fund programs, maintain Riverdale Hall, Riverdale House, the outdoor skating rink and rink shack. So, please contact me if you do not have a 2014-2015 league membership. Some of the benefits to becoming a Riverdale Community League member are: Receive $25 "Riverdale Dollars" to be used in the Riverdale

Community Exchange Free swim from October to June at the downtown YMCA (Don

Wheaton) Sundays from 1 - 5 pm and at the Commonwealth Recreation Centre on Saturdays from 5 - 7 pm which includes Field House, Gymnasium, Aquatic Centre & Fitness Centre

Community league events such as Canada Day Celebration, Community League Day, New Years Day Celebration, etc.

Maintenance of Riverdale Hall, Riverdale House, the outdoor skating rink, and rink shack

Discounted Riverdale Hall rental rate Ability to rent Riverdale House for private functions Opportunity to rent a Garden Plot Riverdalian Newsletter Priority for open spots for the new Riverdale Community Childcare

Centre The weekly playgroup Wednesday mornings at the hall Badminton at Riverdale School on Wednesday evenings 7:30-9:00pm Soccer and summer programs for kids Indoor soccer for 3 and 4 year olds at Riverdale school on

Wednesdays from 6:00-7:30pm Vote at league meetings and community representation before city

council Access to the Community League Wellness Program - 10% off multi

admission passes and annual memberships at all Edmonton Sports and Leisure Facilities. For more information, call 944-7744 or visit www.edmonton.ca/wellness

If you’d like to purchase a membership, please contact Audrey Chomik at [email protected] or 780-249-9740. They are also available at community league meetings. I’d also like to extend A HUGE THANK YOU to all the people who have generously given a donation to the Riverdale Community League. THANK YOU!!!

Are You Paying Too Much for Your Mortgage? For unbiased mortgage advice call Jason Scott, Riverdale’s mortgage expert. Visit www.refinancealberta.ca for free money-saving mortgage

reports. Call 780-720-2490 or email [email protected]

FREE BADMINTON Wednesdays, beginning January 7, 2015

7:30 pm to 9:00 pm, Riverdale School Gym. Racquets & birds supplied.

All Welcome. Sponsored by Riverdale Community League

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February 15, 2015

Annual

Gordon

MacGregor

Memorial

4 on 4 hockey

tournament

Riverdale Café will be open and

serving snacks & soup beginning at noon.

To register contact Lindsey Parkatti @

[email protected]

Please come with your own hockey equipment.

There is space for

eight teams. Register early!

No fee for registration

11:00 am-12:30 pm Kid's Shinny Game,

(no registration necessary)

12:30-1:00 pm

Team Check-in & warm-up skate

1:00 pm-4:00 pm

Tournament

TRADE or BARTER USE YOUR COMMUNITY LEAGUE DOLLARS!

What’s in our basement, garage or storage shed that you do not use?

TRADE IT FOR SOMETHING YOU DO WANT! Jade jewelry Original paintings of the river valley Art prints 1 fishing boat, trailer, motor and complete gear. Need a winter holiday? I have those on trade as well.

WILL ALSO TRADE FOR SERVICES For information contact RICHARD DIXON at

[email protected] 

Services: Pedicure, Manicure,

Nails, Nail Art Design, Waxing,

Facial, Tinting, Eyelash

Extensions, Eyelash Perm,

Permanent Make Up,

Body Wrap, Relaxation Massage,

Hot Stones Massage

Seniors 10% off

Mon-Fri: 10am-7pm, Sat:10am-5pm & Sun:12pm-5pm