So last month we got busy making awesome paper lanterns and now our handiwork will be on display for all to see.
What: The Flying Canoe Volant
When: February 3 and 4
Where: Mill Creek Ravine and La Cité francophone
Time: 6:00 - 10:00pm (ravine) / 6:00 - midnight (La Cité francophone)
The Flying Canoe Volant is a creative, interactive, and cultural event that celebrates local history and everything that is great about a long winter's night.
Loosely based on the legend of the Flying Canoe, and on French-Canadian, First Nation, and Métis traditions, the Flying Canoe Volant invites you for a nighttime adventure in Edmonton's French Quarter and along the illuminated trails of the Mill Creek Ravine.
Extending from the Mill Creek Ravine to La Cité francophone, this large-scale community offers something for everyone. In the ravine, you’ll step into a magical surrounding as you encounter artistic lighting installations and engage in Métis jigs/reels, bannock making, storytelling, drumming, and conversation. Emerging from the ravine, hop on a horse-drawn carriage towards La Cité francophone. On the way, a community stage, snacks and snow carvings await at Rutherford School. Finish off the night in celebration at La Cité francophone with bilingual musical performances in the cabaret, children's activities, multi-disciplinary Aboriginal artist representations, a winter patio, outdoor DJ and a snow slide.Put on your Ritchie toque and mittens and come brave the cold! We are indeed fortunate to have this kind of winter festival right at our doorstep.
RCL Board Member Spotlight
If you think Jeff Ollis looks familiar it is probably because he is everywhere! This guy is the local hero that lobbied for a heated skate shack, refilled your pretzels at Oktoberfest, coached your kids in soccer, served you beer at the Chilli Cook-Off, barbecued a thousand hotdogs and then found time to raise 3 of the cutest kids in Ritchie. Oh yeah, did we mention he is also the clever guy leading the charge for our new Hall? Jeff's certainly made a lot of time for Ritchie so please take a minute or two to learn more about him.
1. What is your Role on the Board?
Chair of the RHRC (Ritchie Hall Revitalisation Committee)
2. Why did you volunteer?
There was such a collection of cool people working so hard to make our community better, I just had to get involved!
3. How long have you lived in Ritchie?
Since July 2013
4. Why did you pick this neighbourhood?
To be within walking distance of Escuela Mill Creek; and it's close to everything, especially the ravine!
5. What is the best thing you’ve discovered in Ritchie?
Ritchie community league
6. What is your wish for the next 5 years in Ritchie?
It's already pretty awesome, but I wish for an even closer, more inclusive and supportive community. Check out how to get involved with the new Abundant Community initiative mentioned above. Oh...and also I'd like a stylish new eco-friendly, multi-use hall with space that meets the league's needs, augments existing programs and makes new and exciting programming possible--further enhancing the quality of life in our neighbourhood. ...With a roof-top patio. ....And espresso machine.
7. What is your favourite Ritchie Event/program and why?
There are too many to choose just one: community league day, soccer, summer barbecues, pub nights and any big event dreamed up by dallas! I really value events that bring large numbers of folks from the neighbourhood together. For example summer soccer is incredible, not just for the opportunity it provides kids to play in their own neighbourhood with school friends, but for how it brings the grown-ups together on warm summer nights laughing and sharing their lives.
8. What do you do when you aren’t volunteering?
I'm a stay-at-home parent with three kids aged 7 and 4 and 15 months.
9. What book did you read last?
I haven't read since before the baby was born...but I've recently picked up All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr, so wish me luck!
10. What’s the one thing you can’t live without?
Beer. Coffee. My kids' smiles.
Kindergarten Registration
Although the school won't be ready for next year, some of your kids may just be ready for kindergarten.
Parents that are looking to register their little guys for Escuela's half day program should get on it! Space is limited to two classes this year - one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
Kindergarten registration opens February 1st. Phone 780 433 5746 to book a tour and fill out your forms.
Swanky New School!
In January the parents at Escuela Mill Creek got an update about the new school that will be built on the existing site from Trustee Sterling and planner, Terri Gosine.
Looks like we will not be getting a cookie cutter school but rather a building that reflects the unique personality of the school and surrounding community.
The plan is to engage parents and community members and we have been told to get ready for a survey. Of course, we will continue to keep you posted as news becomes available.
Some like it HOT!!!
We are looking for residents and businesses to compete in our annual Chilli Cook-off on April 1st.
Contact ritchieevents@gmail.com if you think you've got some hawt stuff!
Time to Rock the Ritchie Colours
As Edmontonians, we have all probably forsaken fashion for warmth as the temperature drops. Fortunately this year, Ritchie has you covered...literally.
Mitts and Touques are now available for purchase on our fancy new website. Visit RCL virtual store: http://www.ritchie-league.com/store/ to pick out the coolest way to stay warm this winter.
Free Swim
Community League Swim! Change of location and time due to Bonnie Doon year-long renovation. Show your Ritchie Community League Membership and gain free entry at:Commonwealth Recreation Centre
11000 Stadium Road
Saturdays: 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Sundays: 1:00-3:00 pm
RITCHIE OUTDOOR SOCCER REGISTRATION
Okay Ritchie, we know that there is still snow on the ground and temperatures are below zero but it is time to start thinking about our glorious spring and the killer soccer season ahead. Ritchie soccer registration will take place mid month at the hall.
Similar to last year, parents will need to complete registration online atwww.emsasoccerportal.com prior to heading down to the hall on Sunday February 12 between 1:00 and 4:00 pm. We know, you might want to skip this step, but you can't, sorry!
During registration we will need to see that online registration has been completed. Don't worry, it is easy to do. When we see you at the hall, it will just be a matter of checking your community league membership (or helping you purchase a new one), taking payments and signing you up for your mandatory volunteer duties.
Here's the thing, if you don't remember to register online, you'll have to fill out a hard copy at the hall and then take home a copy and fill out all the same details in the online version...it will be a pain and major waste of your time. Don't do it.Visit www.emsasoccerportal.com and follow the easy steps.
You've got this!!!
Edmonton Bicycle Commuters' Society (EBC)
EBC will recognize all Ritchie Community League 2015-2016 membership cards as equal to EBC membership cards. Ritchie members can now access the following EBC services at discounted rates: Use of EBC shop tools, stands and volunteer support: $2/hour. Workshop and course registration: now $5 less than non-member fee! Check out the EBC web site: edmontonbikes.ca.
Caminitos Spanish Playschool:
Offers a bilingual Spanish program for children aged three to five. No prior Spanish knowledge is required. Children learn Spanish through play guided by experienced and qualified bilingual teachers specializing in early childhood education. Located at Escuela Mill Creek (9735-80 Avenue). For more information or to register, please visit www.caminitosplayschool.com.
Local Business Blurb
Obviously we're hooked on our neighbourhood and the businesses that call Ritchie home. With that in mind, we've decided to give a little love to some of our locals. First up is Shear Instinct located in Ritchie Four Corners.
Specialising in colouring and nails, Shear Instinct offers services for women, men, and children in their professional salon. The salon is a favorite destination for hair and nail services in Ritchie and the surrounding area and the crew has just expanded - adding Tamara Johnson who made the wise choice to relocate from Bonnie Doon to Ritchie!
With the holidays approaching there has never been a better time to treat yourself and get a little fancy! Call 780.988.6133 to book an appointment.
Ritchie Connects with Abundant Communities Edmonton!
Last month we had an Abundant Communities presentation at the hall. It was great to learn more about this City of Edmonton initiative which seeks to build a culture of connection one neighbourly conversation at a time.
In the spirit of connection, we promise to keep you posted on our progress in this area but in the meantime, feel free to check out new Abundant Communities section on our website and our Welcome to Ritchie Facebook page.