Ritchie Rink Update
Looks like Mother Nature pretty much hates ice skaters. Due to fluctuating temperatures and damage from the record temperatures last month, Ritchie Rink is now closed. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped make this condensed skating season absolutely fabulous.
Ritchie - Run - Repeat
Ritchie - Run - Repeat
Are you a runner of do you wish you were? Good news - there are a pack of people just like you!
The Ritchie Run Club is a great way to explore the community by foot, get to know your neighbours, feel fabulous and spend time outside! No running experience required, and everyone is welcome.
All runs will start and end in front of Ritchie Hall. Distances and frequency of runs/week vary.
Check them out on Facebook and keep up to date or suggest your own run!
Soccer Slip Up?
If soccer registration slipped your mind last month, don't worry! The late registration session is being held on:
Sunday March 12
from 1 to 5pm
Ottewell Hall - 5920 93a Avenue.
Here's the drill:
Similar to last year, parents will need to complete registration online atwww.emsasoccerportal.com prior to heading down to Ottewell Hall. We know, you might want to skip this step, but you can't. Plus, you missed your local sign up so don't test their patience!
The gang at Ottewell will need to see that online registration has been completed. They'll also want to check your community league membership (or help you purchase a new one), take payments and sign 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!!!
Noxious Problems in Millcreek!
Okay don't panic, but word on the street is that Millcreek Ravine is infested with garlic mustard - and we're not talking about something delicious for a hotdog. Below is a message from the City of Edmonton about this pesky species.
Be aware of noxious and prohibited noxious weeds.
Not all flowers are friendly!
Noxious and prohibited noxious weeds grow and spread quickly. They invade entire ecosystems; push out native plants; infest streams, riverbanks and waterways; and impact natural animal habitats and biodiversity. These plants compete with native species, making properties look unsightly and causing significant damage to parks and green space in the city.
Noxious weeds must be “controlled”, which means to remove the risk of spreading. The easiest way to do this is by mowing the weeds.
Here are the top 5 noxious weeds to watch for this year!
- Canada Thistle
- Perennial Sow Thistle
- Oxeye Daisy
- Creeping Bellflower
- Scentless Chamomile
Prohibited noxious weeds must be “destroyed”, meaning all growing parts of the plant must be killed. To do this, remove and dispose of the weed according to the plant-specific instructions at edmonton.ca/weeds.
Here are the top 5 prohibited noxious weeds to watch for this year!
- Purple Loosestrife
- Tamarisk Species
- Japanese Knotweed
- Himalayan Balsam
- Garlic Mustard
Control invasive weeds
Landowners are required to control noxious weeds and destroy prohibited noxious weeds on their property under the Alberta Weed Control Act. Download the Alberta Weed Spotter App to see if you have noxious and/or prohibited noxious weeds in your yard.
Property owners who do not control or destroy invasive weeds may be issued a local authority’s notice to control or remove the weed. The City has the authority under the Act to enter onto private property to start weed control measures. Cost for this varies on the amount of infestation and area to be cleared and gets added to the landowner’s property tax bill.
For information on weed identification, visit edmonton.ca/weeds
For information on the related legislation, visit www.agriculture.alberta.ca/weed-act
Spring Shack
Calling all Ritchie rascals! Green Shack is gearing up for spring. Check it:
Saturday May 6, 13, and 20
Monday May 8 and 15
Wednesday May 10, 17 and 24
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 Bike Rack Project
Ritchie Community League has partnered with Jasper Place High School students and CITYlab in an exciting new project to bring creative bike racks to our neighbourhood. The design students have designed the bike racks, the welding students will manufacture the bike racks, and CITYlab will install them in Ritchie! Please help us by click here and voting for your two favourite bike rack designs. The top two choices will be installed this June on Bike Day, June 10th, 2017. Thank you for your time and consideration in selecting your favourite two bike rack designs! Please vote by April 1, 2017.
Ritchie Public Realm Improvements
About the Project
The proposed project area is within city road right of way and includes:
- Converting the grassed boulevard to a hard surface with paving stones and planting area
- Adding a porous surface such as mulch or pour-in-place material around existing trees to keep them healthy and vibrant
- Adding a space to accommodate bike racks
- Adding a seating area with benches
The project budget is $250,000, which breaks down to $101,000 for capital infrastructure improvements and the remainder for decorative streetlights. Decorative lighting was installed in 2016 as part of public realm enhancements.
Click to give your feedback on the Edmonton City website.
Kids 'Acting' Up???
We suggest you harness their talent and register for some legit classes! Youth theatre is coming to Ritchie this month. Weekly classes start on February 9th, with the final production in mid-May. Participants will get a chance to perform in a reimagined and uniquely staged production of William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” taking place in our very own Ritchie Park and Community Hall.Who: This program is aimed at students aged 12-17, and may involve up to 16 participants.
When: Classes run on Thursdays from 4 - 6 pm.
Cost: $190 per participant, or 20% off for Ritchie Community League members, ($150).
More info: Contact callawright@gmail.com.
FREE Learn to Skate
Okay, so there isn't any snow or ice yet...but we are pretty certain it will be coming soon enough. Come to the RCL rink on the following days for some free learn to skate drop-in lessons:Oh and just so you know, Ritchie's Karma Krew will be treating skaters to free hot chocolate and cookies during the February 11th session. Gotta fuel up right??? Thanks for the early Valentine's treat Karma Krew...we love you!!!
- Feb 4 2:30-5:30 pm
- Feb 11 2:30-5:30 pm
- Feb 18 2:30-5:30 pm
We are looking for ACE People
We know Ritchie is full of great people that are super helpful, friendly and fun.
Last month, we talked a little about something that we think is pretty cool. The Abundant Community Edmonton(ACE) program is a neighbourhood engagement and organization approach that we are planning to adopt in Ritchie.
To get started however, we are going to need to hear from some potential Block Connectors.
If you don't know what that is, or you do and you are ready to sign yourself up for a great local initiative, visit our website. While you are there, please check out the Abundant Community Ritchie survey.
Pho Yo' Info - Local Business Boost
We've got some awesome Vietnamese food in the hood y'all! Head on down to Pho Boy for a little deliciousness.
Tempt yourself by checking out www.phoboy.com then make your way to
10037B - 82Ave
The restaurant is open from 11 am to 9 pm daily.