1. home and garden

April 2015
www.ramsaycalgary.ca
Circulation 1250
BEV TOSH’s War Brides
Page 8
NEWSLETTER UPDATE Page 12
NEXT GENERAL MEETINGS
Tuesday, May 5th & June 2nd 7 pm, Upper Hall
R A M S AY C O M M U N I T Y A S S O C I AT I O N • 1 1 3 6 – 8 T H S T R E E T S E , C A L G A R Y, A B T 2 G 2 Z 7 • 4 0 3 - 2 6 5 - 4 8 9 8
Tisha’s Market Update
Ph. 403-869-9730
[email protected] The Calgary Real Estate Board reported elevated
inventory levels and low sales over the last three
consecutive months. These factors have caused
unadjusted benchmark prices to ease by 0.44 per cent
in March, relative to the previous month, for a total of
$454,300. Based on first quarter statistics,conditions
are consistent with buyers' market conditions.
For a free home evaluation or
more information about
Ramsay’s local Real Estate
market, please don’t hesitate to
contact me.
Tisha
Listings are still relatively low in Ramsay, and I have
noted quite a few buyers expressing an interest in two
story heritage homes.
Heads up; The land titles office will be increasing their
fees on July 1st, with title transfers charges currently
costing $150 bumping up to $655 and mortgage
registrations from $130 to $555. This will impact your
legal fees when buying and selling properties. If you have questions about our local real estate
market, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Where is
Tisha???
Tisha
I bet you a ten dollar
Cafe Rosso Coffee
Card you can’t find me!
But if you can....be the first to email me and win a $10.00 gift card from
Caffe Rosso.
[email protected]
Thank you Caffe Rosso for
co-sponsoring “Where is Tisha”. Ramsay Community Association & Hall
Board of Directors & Community Chairs
Ramsay Logo designed by Janice Thorogood
Complaints about Lilydale smells:
• City of Calgary 311
• Alberta Environment 1800.222.6514
• Calgary Health Region 403.943.8060
P olice C ontacts • Emergency: 911
If you see crimes in the area, please contact the police by
phone at 403.266.1234 or : [email protected]
Community liaison officer: Const. Jason Campbell 403.428.6100 [desk]
D rug H otline 403.206.8100 leave msg.
Newsletter Contributions
Any community member is welcome to contribute to this
newsletter. The deadline for submissions for each upcoming
month’s issue is the 15th of the preceding month. Please
email your contributions, comments, and articles to:
[email protected] or drop it off the Hall.
The opinions expressed by the writers of some of the
articles included herein do not necessarily agree with the
position of the newsletter Editor or Committee.
the tulips are out
the flames are on a roll
the red mile on a stroll
here we go
another rollercoaster year
and one with warmer weather
jobs are thin on the ground
what goes around goes…
well you know
here it comes, ramsay - 2015!
Photo: Peter Griffin
Bev Tosh, president of the Burns Visual Arts Society in Ramsay
there’s a green line coming
they’re predicting 27
and april is not over
ON THE COVER:
1136 - 8th St SE T2G 2Z7• T: 403.265.4898 • F: 403.265.4858
Position Name
Contact Info
President
Kevin
[email protected]
Cunningham
Past President —
Vice President Cyril Jensen vpexternal@ramsaycalgary.
– External
ca
Vice President Carlo
vpinternal@ramsaycalgary.
– Internal
Galasso
ca
Treasurer
—
[email protected]
Secretary
—
[email protected]
2 yr Member Shannon Fox [email protected]
2 yr Member Erin Joslin [email protected]
2 yr Member Martin
[email protected]
L’Heureux
1 yr Member Allan Baker [email protected]
1 yr Member Iain
[email protected]
Chynoweth
Hall Manager —
hallmanager@
ramsaycalgary.ca
Hall Secretary —
hallsecretary@
ramsaycalgary.ca
Safety
Nicole Schon 403.605.1074 safety@
Committee
ramsaycalgary.ca
Recreation
Shannon Fox [email protected]
Heritage
—
[email protected]
Casino
Pat Baker
[email protected]
Beautification —
beautification@
ramsaycalgary.ca
Community
Carol
[email protected]
Garden
Engstrom
Ramsay School
Liaison
Web Support
[email protected]
Website
www.ramsaycalgary.ca
Newsletter
[email protected]
Team
Newsletter
advertising@ramsaycalgary.
Advertising
ca
Newsletter
Fred Holliss 403.815.3733
Layout
[email protected]
Anyone above can be contacted by leaving a message at the
Community Hall at 403.265.4898.
General Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of most
months at the Hall. Elections are held in October.
403.815.3733
[email protected]
web design print
plant, mow, dethatch, trim: grow
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page 3
President’s Message
Kevin Cunningham, President, R.C.A. • 403.680.0854 • [email protected]
Green Line Southeast LRT
In March, the City held the first Southeast
LRT commnity workshop. Ramsay gave
them a clear message that we wanted the
original LRT alignment put back on the
table.
I want to thank all the volunteers who have
been working extremely hard these last
few months to get us, the community and
business owners, organized and up to speed.
These connections and relationships we are
making right now among us are extremely
important moving forward.
Since then, the City has met with Canadian
Pacific and the alignment following the CP
right-of-way is a viable option. The City has
told us that it is now the preferred alignment.
Board Members
On April 25th we will have our second
LRT workshop that I hope everyone will
have attended. At the time you read this,
it’s possible that the final alignment of the
Green Line SE LRT through Ramsay and
Inglewood will be finalized and we can now
focus on the visioning around the stations in
our community.
A side note from some of the meetings we’ve
had with the City: I’m very excited about
the potential of the Crossroads Market station and the ideas I’m hearing from the City
about the land on top of the hill between
Blackfoot Trail and Ramsay. It could turn
out to be a showcase mixed-use development connected to the transit line.
Community Clean-up
Due to limitations, Ramsay was
not able to secure a date in June for our
annual community clean-up. Now we will
have the clean-up in September! June is
going to be a very busy month for the community with Ramsay Rocks and the transit
design work that needs to be done.
I want to thank Sierra Love and Jennie
Innendorfer for their time and commitment
to the Ramsay Community Association.
Due to changes in their own situations, they
had to leave the Board, but will continue to
be super awesome Ramsay residents! And I
hope if things change again that they will be
able to continue to volunteer with us.
We are now two Board members down until
the AGM in October, the Board does have
the ability to appoint new Board members
and we are currently seeking out members to fill these open positions. If you are
interested please feel free to contact me at
[email protected]
SUMMER CAMP
at FORT CALGARY
Week long day camps throughout July!
Sign your camper up today for an exciting
week of hands-on learning and exploration.
Students will journey to the past using
costumes and artifacts, spend time on our
40 acre urban park, and will work creatively
to imagine the future of our city.
Get more details and sign up at
fortcalgary.com. Use coupon code LOCAL
for a 5% discount on registration.
page 4
fortcalgary.com
City Hall Ward 9
City Councillor Gian-Carlo Carra • 403.268.5330 • [email protected]
Dear Ramsay Neighbours,
With the summer sun just on the horizon,
our attention turns to spending time outside
with our family and friends enjoying our
parks, pathways, public spaces, and streets.
In previous newsletters, I’ve talked about
the relationship between people and place
– how our environment impacts our lives
– and the way this connection has been
overlooked in the past.
Today, we see this disconnect being remedied by engaged citizens like you. We’ve
reached a critical mass of understanding that
our streets can be so much more dynamic in
their use than our previous model permitted. Ward 9 is a leader in this regard and
Ramsay has been a stalwart ally in advocating for transforming the way that we view
our streets.
With the construction of GreenLine
Southeast, we anticipate that it will have
many impacts on the community. From the
visioning sessions and workshops that have
been held, it’s clear that 11th Street may be
the route between the underpass and 21st
Avenue. Further, there have been indications
that there may be possible closures of the
11th Street CPR crossing at 21st Avenue,
possible re-routing of 11th Street down
Hurst Road, and possible designation of the
new 11th Street-Hurst Road corridor as an
MDP-recognized Neighbourhood Corridor.
Through my discussions with Ramsayites,
I have been encouraged, and I agree, to
consider 11th Avenue from Red’s Diner to
the GreenLine Station as a critical corridor
of some sort (dependent on the final alignment, of course). With the Transit-Oriented
Development (TOD) opportunity available
in the near term, it is important that we also
consider other corridors in Ramsay such
as 8th Street/Spiller Road, and potentially
one or two other connections between 11th
Street/Hurst Road and 8th Street/Spiller
Road. Additionally, we are excited about the
prospect of TOD planning with pedestrian/
cycle access to Ramsay from Crossroads
Market.
ty closer.
I’m proud to be your Councillor
during this time. In the project of building
complete communities, we must continuously ask ourselves, “What do we want our
streets to look like?” and “What functions
do we want them to have in our neighbourhoods?”
Stay informed of the initiatives impacting
our communities by signing up for Ward 9
updates at www.calgary.ca/ward9connect.
Yours,
Councillor Gian-Carlo Carra, Ward 9
Yours faithfully,
Gian-Carlo
By ensuring our streets foster a spirit of
inclusivity that connects us, not only by
cars, but through all modes of accessible
transportation, we can bring our communi-
Find farm fresh
year-round
from more than 80 farmers, producers and independent
vendors at Calgary’s largest inner-city Farmers’ Market
Over 25 new vendors
1235 - 26 Avenue S.E. | At the corner of Inglewood & Ramsay | 403-291-5208 | www.crossroadsmarket.ca
page 5
Civic Affairs
Cyril Jensen and Erin Joslin, Co-Chairs, Civic Affairs Committee
Civic Affairs has had a busy month. Find below all the current
developments in our neighbourhood.
1028 8 St SE (DP2015–1007) - Side-by-Side (Duplex)
1909 9 St SE - Single Family Dwelling
This development is a contemporary infill that has been shared at
a previous RCA meeting. The feedback from the membership at
that time was that the building was too high, and that the flat roof
should be reflective of the character of the street, as per the ARP.
There was also concerns about shading of the neighbours with the
third floor and proposed height.
The development on this site will be a modern looking side-byside. It is contemporary in look and has a roof that slopes to the
middle point. The committee has not fully reviewed this development at this time.
1206 Bellevue Ave SE (DP2015–0789) - Single Family
Dwelling
In response to the community feedback, a new design was presented at the last RCA meeting. These are the changes:
The third floor has been reduced in size and stepped back.
The roof has been given a peak.
The overall height has been reduced - currently the building is 23”
over height.
Drawings showing shadowing were provided.
Also to note with this project:
There is a tree protection plan to protect City Trees on Site
Drainage on this site is a potential problem based on current lane
conditions. This is not only a concern for this property, but for all
the neighbours that use this lane. This is a city issue.
This property has had a development permit in the past. The community had previously submitted a letter that indicated concerns
over drainage (Bison Path Lacks proper gutters and curbs) as well
as overlooking balconies. Those same concerns remain with the
revised design.
1925 6 St SE (DP2015–0070) - Single Family Dwelling
825 21 Ave SE (DP2014–6152) - Single Family Dwelling
The proposed development is a contemporary style infill home.
This project is a contextual dwelling and we were provided with the
plans for information only.
Note: A Contextual Dwelling is a house built to meet all rules,
without asking for any relaxations. It is only allowed if meets all the
outlined rules. For more information, visit calgary.ca and search for
“Contextual Dwelling Guide”
page 6
This development was presented at a previous RCA meeting. The
intent is to develop a house typical of the neighbouring houses with
cascading balconies off the back. The front door will be located
down the side of the house, to allow for a full garage on the front.
There are some concerns around the development of this property.
It is interesting to note that the existing house was built in 1903.
Could it be the oldest home in Ramsay?
1013–19 Ave SE (DP2015–0734) - Single Family Dwelling
The proposed development is keeping in the historical character of
the street, with the historic sloping roof lines. An exciting element
of this development is the incorporation of a green house in the
design. Of note is that the house is over on footprint size. That
means it is covering more of the lot than typically allowed.
2030 Salisbury St SE (DP2014–4925) - Single Family
Dwelling
to register in this unique and amazing local theatre experience from
July 27th – August 1st. The camp is located at the Alexandra Centre in Inglewood (922 9th Avenue SE) and the cost is $235.00 for
local residents ($260.00 - Non-Residents). For more information
or to register, call the Alexandra Centre Society at 403-.269.5588,
e-mail [email protected], or visit us on Facebook
under - The Alexandra Centre Society Dramantics Kids’ Theatre
Camp.
Kids in Motion
A free summer work for leisure program for youth aged 9 to 12.
The program involves participants in community service learning
projects such as planting community gardens for a portion of their
day. For the remainder of the day the youth are rewarded for their
hard work by participating in fun activities, such as swimming.
Through this program youth build self-esteem, communication,
decision-making skills, leadership, and teamwork skills and are
exposed to positive role modeling. Kids in Motion runs out of the
Alexandra Community Centre (922 9 Ave SE), Tuesdays/Thursdays
9:00 a. m. - 3:30p. m. The first day will be July 7–30 for session I
and August 4- 27 for session II. For more information about this
program contact, Community Outreach Director Chris Schmid at
403–899–4107.
4Cats Arts Studio
1222 9th Ave. SE, has half-day camps for children ages 3 – 12 years
all summer long. If your kid likes mixing it up with paint, clay, and
ink, this is the perfect place for them. Camps range from $120.00
- $240.00. Check them out at www.4cats.com/inglewood/class/
summer/ or call 403–206–0110 for more information.
The proposed development is a modern looking design. To take
advantage of the views offered from this site, the front door will be
moved to the south side of the property. The only possible concern
with this development is the height of the garage, it will be taller
than a typical garage to allow for storage above.
Get in touch
As always, if you have any questions, concerns, comments or compliments, or would like more information on the projects, please
contact us at [email protected] As well, if you are
interested in joining our committee, you are welcome to send us
an email. Currently we are working towards establishing a more
consistent meeting time for those that would like to attend.
Local Summer Fun For Kids
Kim Firmston
Summer camps abound in this city, but what if you want quality
programming AND something close by? Luckily there is a plethora
of excellent day camps right in the Ramsay and Inglewood area. So
stow the car keys and break out the sneakers and get ready for some
local summer fun.
ACS DramAntics Theatre Camp
Robots, Archeology, and Aliens! Alexandra Centre Society’s DramAntics kids’ theatre camp has it all in a play written, produced,
and performed by the kids themselves and staged at the Calgary
Fringe Festival during Sunfest. Kids aged 9–16 years old are invited
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
Located at 2425 9 Ave SE, runs week long Nature Discovery
Camps all summer for kids aged 6–12 and Little Critters camps
for kids aged 4–5. The cost varies from $115.00 to $225.00. In
these programs, kids will discover, investigate, and explore nature as
they learn how to become stewards of the parks systems. See their
website for more information and to register:www.calgary.ca/CSPS/
Parks/Pages/Programs/Day-camps.aspx
Fort Calgary
(750 9th Avenue SE) are excited to be offering week long day
camps giving children ages 7–12 the opportunity to travel back in
time and to dream of an exciting future for our city. Campers will
have opportunities to create art and crafts projects, use costumes
and artifacts to explore Calgary’s history, spend time outside on the
40 acre urban park, and lots, lots more! They have four programs
all running in July. The cost is $175.00. For more information visit:
www.fortcalgary.com/programs/summercamps/
Calgary Zoo
A full range of camps are offered for kids aged 4 years old to
students in grade nine on a variety of topics. Although camp can’t
actually be accessed from our community side, it is only a short
bike ride, or a walk and one transit stop, away for local campers.
The cost ranges from $170.00 - $585.00. For more information
visit: www.calgaryzoo.com/events-activities/kids-families/springsummer-camps
page 7
Bev Tosh’s Extended Family of War Brides
Nancy Janovicek
Photo: Bev Tosh
a eight-foot high portrait of her. It wasn’t a gift. She painted it for
herself because she needed to acknowledge her mother’s passage
through life. She called the piece One Way Passage.
Sonia was on the easel when I visited Bev Tosh’s studio. Known as
Agent Blanche, Sonia Butt was a British spy during WWII when she
met her husband Guy D’Artois, a Canadian pilot stationed in En-
Dorothy was a war bride. Born in Saskatchewan, she married a
pilot from New Zealand who was training in Canada. After the
war, the New Zealand government gave her a one-way passage to
reunite with her husband. The marriage failed and eleven years later
Dorothy returned home with her children. Bev recalled that Saskatchewan was not home for her though because, like her mother,
she had to leave behind all that was familiar: “Mine was a one-way
passage, too. Both of us longed for a land that was half-way around
the world.”
Photo: Norman Dupuis
Bev Tosh in her studio with some of her extended family.
gland. She was fluent in French, which is why she was parachuted
behind enemy lines in German-occupied France just before D-Day.
She was questioned, but her false papers held up. She’s one of the
few female spies, captured during her mission, to have survived. After the war, Sonia was one of the thousands of women who boarded
bride ships to join their husbands overseas. Fifteen years ago, Bev
began to paint their stories. The War Brides project started with a
portrait of her own mother, Dorothy. Since then, Bev has travelled
the world to talk to war brides and has created a sisterhood of women whose stories may have otherwise been forgotten.
Bev doesn’t reside in Ramsay. But she lives in her studio in the
Burns Visual Arts Society on 24th Ave. SE, where she has been the
president for five years. She didn’t plan to dedicate her life to painting war brides. “Everything happened by chance,” she explained.
To commemorate her mother’s 80th birthday, Bev decided to paint
page 8
Her mother did not talk much about being a war bride. Bev recalls
that she mentioned “bride ships that crisscrossed the globe” after the
war and was intrigued to learn more about these women. She travelled to New Zealand to research bride ships. While she was there,
she taught art workshops. A local newspaper wrote an article about
Bev’s work that featured her mother’s story, too. When they read the
article, war brides contacted Bev at the Serendipity B & B, where
she was staying, to tell her their stories.
And Bev began to paint their portraits. The first war bride portraits
were on large canvasses. Bev was not satisfied with this medium
because she could not link their stories. Speaking with the war
brides, she began to see them as a sisterhood: “They married in
wartime and travelled in peacetime. And they walked the gangplank
alone. Some could not give up all they knew for a land they did not
know.” Many war brides recall that the “decks of the bride ships
Photo: Crystal Image Photography
were awash with tears” as the women stood
together watching their homeland fade into the
horizon. To convey their common experiences,
Bev paints their portraits on rough 4- foot by
8-foot plywood panels so that she can display
them standing shoulder to shoulder.
Kay was the first portrait painted on wood.
She was the last war bride Bev met before she
left New Zealand. Kay was only 20-years old,
a young mother and a widow, when she left
England. Because she did not have have enough
ration coupons to buy a coat, she used a blanket
to sew warm coats for the journey. Most cloth
was still rationed after the war, but coffin satin
was not so she used it to line the coats. It’s
these small details, which Bev includes in the
paintings and stories, that capture the hardships
civilians endured during and after the war.
The portraits are based on wedding day photos.
The range of outfits the women wore reflects the
diversity of their experiences. Some women married in their uniforms.
Others wore white wedding dresses. European women’s bridal gowns
were chosen by in-laws in Canada whom they had not met. Elly
married in a suit made from a U. S. army blanket; they were better
quality than Canadian blankets. Louise, like many women married in
wartime, wore a good suit on her wedding day. Her parents gave her
a choice: marry in a white wedding dress made of fabric purchased on
the Belgian black market or buy food for the reception on the black
market. Louise told Bev,“We still remember the
wedding meal.”
These memories help Bev capture the women’s
personalities when she paints them. She understands she has an ethical responsibility to the war
brides. “I’ve been entrusted with these stories. I
feel honour-bound to represent the women accurately and to tell their stories.” This responsibility
goes much deeper than her role as an artist and
historian. She has developed close relationships
with them as they’ve sipped tea while poring
over family photo albums. “I love the women.
I keep in touch with them. I have this very
extended family.”
A new exhibition of Bev’s work will be on
display at the Founders’ Gallery from May
6th to August 16th. Trees Heeft een Canadees
(Teresa Has A Canadian) features paintings of
Dutch women who married Canadian soldiers.
The exhibition was first shown at the National
Liberation Museum in the Netherlands. This will be the first time
these portraits will be displayed in Canada. The show will also include
other work by Bev that explores war brides’ experiences. The opening
reception is May 5th, 6:00 - 8:00 p. m. For more information, go
to www.themilitarymuseums.ca/gallery-founders. Bev’s excited that
some of the war brides will attend the event. I haven’t told their stories
here. You should go and meet these amazing women and hear them
yourself.
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page 11
No More Ramsay Newsletter?
The Newsletter Editorial Team
The lowdown:
The current newsletter team will be stepping down soon.
If no one else volunteers to take over the
newsletter, then Ramsay will end up with
a generic newsletter like Bridgeland’s. Or
no newsletter at all.
If you want to help, join us on Wednesday May 20 at 7pm at the Community
Hall for a newsletter information session.
There’s a wonderful moment every month
when the printed newsletters have arrived
from the print shop. We open the top
box, grab a copy of the latest issue, and
we flip through it excitedly. Even though
we put it together over the previous
weeks, it’s the first time we can actually
hold it in our hands. It’s very satisfying.
It’s also very satisfying to meet talented
Ramsayites and tell their stories every
month. We have made new friends, discovered new and interesting things about this
amazing community, and had the privilege
to explore why we live in the best neighbourhood in Calgary.
But all good things must come to an end, as
the saying goes, and the current newsletter
team will be stepping down to make way
for a new group of volunteers.
If we can find them.
For the last three months, we have hosted
a monthly open house to find new volunteers. We put announcements in the newsletter and…. no one volunteered.
We don’t take this personally. We understand everyone has a busy life. We’re right
there with you.
Also, our announcements were low key,
page 12
“hey come and join the fun if you want”
kind of messages. We realize now that we
need to be a bit more clear.
Here are the options for the future of the
Ramsay newsletter.
Plan A: New Team of Volunteers
Ideally a new team of volunteers will take
over the management and editing of the
newsletter.
We will show them the ropes and they will
rock the house.
Our community will keeps its own volunteer-produced newsletter.
We would still have a newsletter, but it
would look like everyone else’s newsletter.
Last Resort: No More Newsletter
If no one takes over the newsletter, and the
community doesn’t want a generic newsletter, then we would have no choice but to
shut down the newsletter entirely.
This would suck. A lot.
Plan A is our favourite plan. We can make
it happen with your help.
If you or someone you love are interested in helping with the newsletter, join us
on Wednesday May 20 at 7pm at the
Community Hall.
Plan A is the best plan.
Plan B: Generic Newsletter
If no one volunteers to take over the newsletter, we could hire a third-party company
to publish a generic newsletter with Ramsay
content.
We wouldn’t have to pay for this, and the
company would make their money from
advertising. We would have no control over
the advertising, so it’s possible that Ramsay
businesses and artists would no longer be
featured.
To see what this would look like, check
out the latest newsletters from BridgelandRiverside or Acadia.
We’ll show you step-by-step how the
newsletter is made (it’s pretty simple), and
you can decide how you can help to tell
Ramsay’s stories.
This will be our final information session
before we decide which option to pursue.
To be 100% clear: if no one volunteers to
take over the newsletter, then we will go to
Plan B and start contacting 3rd party companies to set up a generic newsletter.
Please contact us at news@ramsaycalgary.
ca if you want to volunteer or you have
questions.
The Ramsay newsletter reflects who we are,
and it brings us together. It’s worth fighting
for. We look forward to seeing you on May
20!
Cheers,
Your Ramsay Newsletter Editorial Team
Summer DramAntics is on the Way
Kim Firmston
This past spring break saw eight talented kids, ranging in age from
eight to sixteen, strutting the stage in a play of their own making.
Within a week the kids of the Alexandra Centre Society’s DramAntics spring theatre camp created a story in which the relatives
of Captain James Hook of Neverland and Alice of Wonderland
battled the villainous Geovanni as he tried to destroy Dreamland.
They wrote a script, painted many giant mushrooms, tea cups, and
lollypops, then created costumes which suited their characters. They
made the play logo, tie dyed cast t-shirts, and even had a cast party
with awards. It was a great week with lots of hard work and many,
many laughs. In the end the play, Never-Wonderland: We’re All
Mad Here, performed to a packed audience.
“Lost Boys” Photo by Kim Firmston
But we’re not done yet. The kids of the spring camp came up with
the theme of ACS DramAntics summer theatre production. This
July 27 – August 1, 2015, we will be creating a story centred around
ancient ruins, space aliens, Egyptian and Aztec gods, and a broken
android archeologist – think Indiana Jones meets sci-fi. It’s bound
to be one heck of a story and one which will go on stage during
Sunfest as part of the Calgary Fringe Festival.
Robots, Archeology, and Aliens! Summer ACS DramAntics kids’
theatre camp has it all in a play YOU write, produce, and perform.
Kids aged 9–16 years old are invited to register in this unique and
amazing local theatre experience which runs from July 27 – August
1, 2015. Call the Alexandra Centre Society at 403- 269–5588 or
visit us on Facebook under - The Alexandra Centre Society Dramantics Kids’ Theatre Camp.
page 13
Community Tidbits
Artpoint
Community Tidbits
Main Gallery Last July, Artpoint presented “$99 to Stardom” a
fundraiser for community projects. We asked for submissions of
5x7 canvases and sold them for $99 each. There were more than 60
entries from Artpoint members and the public raising $1,000 for
community projects. 100 per cent of the money raised was donated
to Hull Services in support of a student art show at Artpoint Gallery
in May. The student exhibition is called “How the Light Gets In.”
This exhibition will focus on light to celebrate the United Nations
International theme for 2015. The students will show works that they
create with Hull School artist-in-residence and Artpoint member
Carole Bondaroff. Artworks will include drawing, collage, painting,
mobiles, sand painting, murals, and sculpture.
In The Stairway Gallery: Brian Pawlak presents “Greek Mythology
and The Seasons.”
All exhibitions run from May 1st - 30th. www.artpoint.ca
Ramsay Rocks
Ramsay Rocks 2015 is set for June 27th at the Community Hall. We
are seeking volunteers to help us put on the event this year and make
it a great success. If you came last year, you know how much it was.
If you didn’t perhaps you heard from a friend? Either way, if you’d
like to learn more and might be interested in pitching in, contact
Ian: [email protected] Mark your calendars and plan to
attend. There will be a full advertisement with all the details, in the
next newsletter.
What’s Happening in May at Esker Foundation
Ever been mesmerized by the forest? If so, come by the Project Space
to see what Corinne Thiessen’s “Chronic” trees are up to!
While the gallery doors are closed most of the month, we are preparing spring/summer 2015’s exhibition, which features the intriguing
and provocative works of Mia Feuer, Kevin Schmidt, and Guido van
der Werve. The three exhibitions, presented in conjunction with one
another each, offer insights into too-often abstract effects of shifting
natural and personal environments. They surprise with their deadpan
ironic humor, outrageous material contrivances, and audacious scope,
revealing subtle complexities in the relationship between these two
environments. There will be film, video, large-scale sculptural works,
and naturally - because it is summer - ‘ice’ skating!
The opening reception is May 22nd, 6:00–10:00 p. m. All are wel-
Community Tidbits
come. Fantastic family-friendly workshops, talks, and tours will soon
be announced to add to your summer calendar.
As always, admission and programing are free. Parking for your visit
is complimentary at the Atlantic Art Block. Follow us on Facebook
for more updates and programming information. Ramsayites, we
hope to see you soon!
Woolf’s Voices 8
Ramsay resident Shona Rae is one of the artists performing at Woolf ’s
Voices 8 at Shelf Life Books, 1302–4th Street SW, 7:00 - 9:30 p. m.
Head out and enjoy an evening of poetry, performance, music, and
spoken word.
Dear Johnny Deere
What could be more perfect than a musical named after the best
tractor in the world!?! Check out Dear Johnny Deere, a play by
Ramsayite Ken Cameron, at Theatre Calgary April 28th to May 24th.
For more information go to www.theatrecalgary.com More about our
neighbour Ken in the June newsletter!
bird
Allison Morgan’s exhibition “bird. oracles, prophets and omens” runs
from May 1st to June 28th ad DaDe Gallery (1327 9th Ave. SE).
Morgan examines our fascination and connection with the species
through a series of avian portraits. Opening reception: Friday, May
8th 6:00 p. m.
Ramsay on Facebook
Did you know Ramsay has some special focus Facebook groups?
Search for:
•
•
•
•
•
Ramsay Swap & Sell
Ramsay Community Heritage
Ramsay Community Association (this is not an official page,
but one where most information is shared)
Ramsay Pet Page
Ramsay Recreation
Got a Tidbit?
Send community announcements, requests for services, or a shoutout to a friendly neighbour to [email protected].
Calling All Functions: We have the space!
Bring your parties, seminars or family reunions to the Ramsay Community Hall, located footsteps from downtown at 1136 8th St SE.
We have a modern facility that can handle your small to medium size
functions. And we have plenty of parking for your guests. Give us a
call at 403.265.4898 or come and check out our facilities. You will
find our rental rates agreeable and our customer service exceptional.
Cheers!
page 14
Recreation Update
Shannon Fox • [email protected] * 403.966.5130
ness.com
Gravity Gala: A Ramsay Recreation
Fundraiser
Ramsay Bike Safety Clinic
Monday, May 25th at 7:30pm, tickets $15
in advance at gravitygala.eventbrite.ca, $20
Kids aged 6–10 are invited to get ready
at the door
for a safe summer of bicycle fun! Have fun
learning hand signals, bike path safety and
We’ll have signature cocktails (cash bar), ap- crossing streets. The obstacle course will
petizers, an art auction featuring the original have the kids hopping a curb, stopping,
artwork from the Ramsay Cookbook. Come turning, and going up/down inclines. We’ll
out to support our programs and facility
finish with a short neighbourhood ride and
maintenance at Ramsay Rink.
return to Rink for a snack! Saturday, May
30th at 10am. Pre-register for this free event
Thursday Night Ramsay Ball Hockey at ramsaybikes.eventbrite.ca.
Everyone is invited out for Ramsay Ball
Hockey every Thursday evening at 7pm.
Saturday Morning Bootcamp
The Ramsay Rec Committee is pleased to
help offer this free community bootcamp.
Drop-in at Ramsay Rink every Saturday in
May at 11am. It’s being offered by trainers
at Anytime Fitness and is free for everyone,
any fitness level. Sign up at anytimefitness.
com or email kathleen.ryans@anytimefit-
Movie Nights at the Rink
The Rec Committee is working on plans for
Ramsay Movie Nights this summer – more
info to follow. Watch the Ramsay website
and Facebook page!
Soccer Success
A huge thank you goes to Joline for coordinating the kids’ soccer program. It’s running
Thursdays May through June. We have 29
Get Ready For Reading Town
During the week of May 2–9, 2015 the communities of Inglewood and
Ramsay will become the hub for Reading Town Canada!
This local, family-friendly event in Calgary is one of two national
host sites for this second annual Reading Town, initiated by the
National Reading Campaign. All week long, reading will be woven
into fun activities and lively interactive events designed for ‘kids’ of
all ages!
Imagine: A grand Kick-Off event with parade; scavenger hunts;
Little Free Library (LFL) bike tours and a LFL building workshop;
‘Read Aloud’ picnics in local parks and as an evening event; free
book drops; author appearances and readings; breakfast fun times;
book swaps; Pizza Poetry Bombs; hands-on baking of alphabet
cookies; and much, much more!
Calgarians from across the City are encouraged to come to Inglewood and Ramsay to join in the fun.
Your group can host your own activity or event too. Let’s promote
the joy of reading together! Be in touch to tell us about how you
might like to participate. There will be opportunities to share
stories, pictures and videos with Calgary Reads and the National
Reading Campaign too. To learn more or to get involved: contact
[email protected] or visit www.nationalreadingcampaign.ca/reading-town/
kids signed up to play, learn and make new
friends!
Park Perk Up
The City of Calgary will continue its work
to update our Ramsay Park this summer.
New trees will be planted (the goal is to
have them in before Stampede) and the new
grass didn’t take well so that will be replanted as well. We’ve heard lots of great comments about the upgrades to our park.
Gophers
Some concerned park users brought to our
attention the gopher problem at the Ramsay
park area. A call to 3–1–1 resulted in a visit
from the City of Calgary Parks crew and a
reduction in the number of critters.
The Rec Committee is always looking for
programs and events that interest Ramsay residents. If you have an idea for an activity you
think the community would love, let us know
and the Rec Committee will work with you to
make it happen!
Central Library
Wonder. Seek. Discover. Share.
Pick up our new program guide, Library Connect, for all of the wonderful programs and events the Calgary Public Library has to offer.
Register in person, online, or by calling 403.260.2620. In May, the
Central Library is proud to host:
Drop-in Family Storytime
Stories, songs and finger plays the whole family can enjoy. Ages 2 to
5 with a parent/caregiver.
Fridays, May 1 to May 29. 10:15 - 10:45 a.m.
2nd Floor Program Room
The Dewey Decibel System
Four of Calgary’s rawest rock bands - headlined by local legends
Night Committee - take over the Central Library and play until the
sun goes down or they shut us down! Free. All ages.
Friday, May 15, 5 - 10 p.m.
Main Floor
Think Big: A Night Out with Your Brain
Ever wondered why some people seem so on top of their game? How
can they think so fast and be so sharp without much effort when
you can’t remember what you had for lunch? Jay Ingram and experts
from the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, in the University of Calgary’s
Cumming School of Medicine, will dive into the amazing brain to
uncover the science behind memory.
Friday, May 22, 6 - 8 p.m.
Main FloorCity of Calgary.
page 15
GRAVITY
GALA
A Ramsay Recreation fundraiser
Monday, May 25 7:30pm
at Gravity Espresso & Wine Bar
Tickets $15
gravitygala.EVentBrite.com
Chuck
Emily Firmston
Smith, Chair
(member)
Ramsay Vision 2020 Committee
6 which was enjoyable despite the obvious
Things have been getting wild at the Reality
exposition. This past Monday and Tuesday
Is Optional kids’ writing club. We finished
last month with some improv games includ- we started an advertising company in a
ing park bench, a game of many things, and pocket dimension where we advertised such
things as Captain Rocket Singing Maid Sercharacter scenes. We had a fight and write
vice, and Rios - the new brain shaped, liver
workshop where our resident black belt,
our resident anatomy
expert, and our resident
action writer all came
together to teach some
basic fighting moves
and how to write them.
Now the RIOites are
trained and ready to
tussle. Come at us –
we’ll write all about
it. We had a very
chill Free Fall Friday
with music and some
excellent critique work.
Some of our members
will be featured in the
Calgary Reads, Reading
Town May 2–9th –
look for the tweets.
Random Movie Night
feature was Big Hero
Past newsletters: ramsaycalgary.ca/newsletter/newsletter-archives
Then as Now?
Fred Holliss
“Spring is Sprung” declared
the cover of May, 2005’s newsletter. Parking, Ramsay Day,
Community Clean-up and
The Ramsay Rink Project all
made the cover. President Vince
Bodnar talked about Block
Watch and community safety. I
had a new mortgage and married off my sister. The
flavoured, slightly radioactive cereal. Pen
and Panel cartooning club has updated their
website with new content, so head on over
for a laugh (www.penandpanel.com). Later
this month we will be looking into Conspiracy theories including the Illuminati, aliens,
and secret government
weapons (because
Canada has so many
of those – so many).
We are also signing up
for the rapidly filling
WordsWorth Creative
Youth Residency camp
and the ACS DramAntics kids’ theatre
camp. Visit our website
for more information
on these camps, our
E-Zine, other awesome
stuff. Visit us. Visit us.
Visit us. (We learned
that repetition was
useful when we studied
commercials). Visit us.
www.realityisoptional.
weebly.com
Janus Academy Little Olympics Sports Day
Alex praised their volunteers
and the Seniors Community
Health Centre got handed
their walking papers. Darleen
Travis continued the discussion
about drugs, prostitution and
problem properties while Janice
Thoroughgood brought up Bus
Stops Without Sidewalks. MLA
Denis Herard praised
Alberta education and
the Hall renovations
were moving along.
Principal Brian Del
Castilho noted we
had 128 students
and Catherine
Cartmill discussed
traffic-calming
plans. The average
price of a house
in Ramsay was
$330,000 and
new columnist
Chantelle Hughes
gave us the dirt
on pesticides.
On behalf of the Janus Academy, a school
for children with autism, I would like to
extend an invitation to members of the
Ramsay Community to join us, along
with Canadian Olympians Tristan Walker,
Nathan Gafuik, Erica Morningstar, Cassie
Hawrysh and the SAIT Trojans for our 4th
Annual “Little Olympics” Sports Day.
On June 12th, 2015, all of the Academy’s 57 students and 6 young
adults will participate in a day of fun and engaging sporting activities to increase of the importance of fitness and the inclusion of
people with disabilities. With the support of our Olympians, SAIT,
the Ramsay Community Association’s Recreation Committee, New
Urban Developments, Inglewood Crossfit, Soccability Alberta,
Suncor, and many others, we are looking forward to another fantastic event this year.
The event will run throughout the day, starting around 10:00 a. m.
and will take place on the Ramsay School grounds. There will be a
picnic for guests to enjoy from 12:30 - 1:30 p. m. and the Medal
Ceremonies are planned for around 2:15 p. m.
It would be great if you could join us on June 12th, to help celebrate our school, our children’s achievements, and a great day
out in the community. For further information please contact the
school at [email protected].
page 17
Photo: Kim Firmston
Green
RIO’s Singing
Line LRT
Maid
Update
Service
922 – 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0S4
Phone: 403-269-5588
Email: [email protected]
VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE
Albertans said that as seniors
they want to live in their homes
for as long as possible.
Report, Alberta Seniors and Community Supports, Demographic
Commission, December 2008
www.alexandracentresociety.org
***
DramAntics Summer
Theatre Camp!
Robots, Archaeology, and Aliens! Summer ACS
DramAntics kids’ theatre camp has it all in a play
YOU write, produce, and perform. Kids aged 916 years old are invited to register in this unique
and amazing local theatre experience which
runs August 3-7, 2015. Visit us on Facebook
under - The Alexandra Centre Society
Dramantics Kids' Theatre Camp Cost: $235.00
for area residents (Inglewood, Ramsay, Beltline
Victoria Park, East Village) or $260.00 for those
from other communities.
What are you waiting for? Register with the
Alexandra Centre Society today!
***
Alexandra Playschool
Starts September, 2015
9:30am to 12pm
For Ages 3, 4, and 5 year olds.
Register now for the 2015 – 2016 school year!
***
Kids In Motion
Kids In Motion is a free summer work for leisure
program for youth aged 9 to 12. The program
involves participants in community service
learning projects such as planting community
gardens for a portion of their day. For the
remainder of the day the youth are rewarded for
their hard work by participating in fun activities
such as swimming. Tuesdays/Thursdays 9am3:30pm. Session I July 7-30 Session II August 427 Contact Community Outreach Director Chris
Schmid 403-899-4107
page 18
Neighbour-To-Neighbour is answering the call; we are
making it a community affair. We all know someone
who may need a little help with extraordinary chores…
maybe a small repair or yard work. We need your help
to help others. We hope that if you missed our call for
volunteers, you will consider giving a few hours. Spring
has sprung; we have been made aware that assistance
with Spring yard clean-up may be helpful.
HELP GREEN YOUR COMMUNITY
Why not make this a “block” affair? If you and your
neighbours know of someone who needs a hand… call
us and we can help facilitate a workday; Let’s help the
flowers grow.
DID YOU KNOW?
Jack Long advocated for a COMMUNITY BILL OF RIGHTS “A community Bill of Rights would be a public statement of the criteria to which all elements of the community, both those originating from within, and those originating from without, must adhere. It would derive its power from the fact that it is a consensus Bill of Rights, agreed upon by all in the community.” Inglewood Design Brief
Shirley-anne Reuben 587-955-6877
[email protected]
www.jacklongfoundation.com
Kids’ Bike Safety Clinic
Get ready for a safe summer of bicycle fun!
Kids aged 6-10 are invited to attend the Ramsay Kids’ Bike Safety Clinic!
Learn hand signals, bike path safety and crossing streets.
The obstacle course will have the kids hopping a curb, stopping, turning, and
going up/down inclines.
We’ll finish with a short neighbourhood ride and snacks back at the Rink!
When: Saturday, May 30th at 10am
Where: Ramsay Rink
Register: Free event – register at ramsaybikes.eventbrite.ca
CC-licensed photo by Tony Fischer
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Thinking of Selling?

4 Active Listings
$294,900 > $1,875,000
4 Sales for the Year
$285,00 > $712,800
So much going on in Ramsay!
Interest rates are low - Buyers
are waiting for new listings!
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I have Buyers looking for:
1) Inglewood or Ramsay.
Small bungalow ~ decent condition on
quiet road ~ mature PRIVATE yard.
2) Inglewood or Ramsay Handyperson
special. Condition NOT a concern!
3) Inglewood or Ramsay. A large lot
with RENTAL suite in home.
4) Inglewood or Ramsay.
COMMERCIAL land with or without
building.

Your home is unique and has its very own “Top” market
value. Call me for a complimentary, confidential and up
to date evaluation!
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