Pop Your Kids in a Camp!

The City has a number of great ways to keep kids busy and maintain parent sanity this summer.

Here are a few options that are close by:

Cool Creations Camp at Hazeldean Community League Hall from July 31 - August 4.

The camp is geared at children between 8 - 13 years of age who have a passion for tie-dye, or making chocolates, soap, candles and lip balm.

Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Cost: $146.00.  

To register, call 311 and quote course number 596279 or do it all online.

Paint, Plaster and Play Camp at Strathcona Community League Hall from July 4 - July 7.

The camp is geared at children between 8 - 13 years of age who like to paint, sculpt, sketch or get messy with paper mâché.

Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Cost: $130.00.  

To register, call 311 and quote course number 596274 or do it all online.

Bad Behaviour

Okay, jokes aside, crime is something we take very seriously in Ritchie.

According to EPS crime stats, last year in Ritchie there were 181 reported occurrences. Number crunchers will be interested to know that so far this year there have been about 21 incidents. 

In most neighbourhoods warmer temperatures can prompt an increase in crime. We've recently heard a few stories from locals about theft as well as some bad bottle collecting etiquette - even a little trespassing!

In the spirit of keeping Ritchie safe, let's all do our best to:

1. Protect our patch - A few simple actions at home, in the yard, or when we go on vacation can make a big difference. Start with these basics. 

2. Get to know our neighbours - More eyes keeping watch is always a good thing. Abundant Communities efforts will also help us connect with each other.  

3. Reduce temptation - Keep valuables secure and out of sight. 

4. Report, report, report - Unless we say something, EPS won't know there's a problem. Crime stats not only drive resource allocation, they illustrate specific areas of concern. Crime Reports can be made in person, via the police dispatch line 780 423 4576, online, or through the EPS mobile app.  

5. Be crime savvy - Here are a few other crime prevention tips from Edmonton Neighbourhood Watch to keep in mind. 

Last but not least, if you see someone less fortunate that could use a hand, give 211 a call. This 24/hour information and referral line is run by the Canadian Mental Health Association and helps people connect to a range of social, health and government services. Whether it is someone sleeping in a dangerous place, not dressed for the weather or just having an all around tough time, there is help available.

Leagues Be Racin'

On April 29, the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues - EFCL for short - will be holding their second annual Great Neighbourhood Race. 

The purpose of this calorie burning/endorphin producing special event is two-fold. Not only will it help raise money for community leagues, it will generate funding for a very cool EFCL 100 Anniversary Project - a brand spanking new Community League Plaza in Hawrelak Park!!! 

We know we have a few keeners in Ritchie that want to pound the pavement. In fact, the Ritchie Run Club is looking for runners of all ages and levels to join their team.

Perhaps you guys should make it even more official and join them...just sayin'...if the shoe fits...race it???

Local Business Boost - Totem Outdoor Outfitters

With camping and soccer season just around the corner, we wanted to share our go to for sports equipment and basically everything outdoorsy.

Ritchie is super lucky to have Totem in the hood. In fact, considering that they first opened in 1972, these guys have likely been here longer than most of us!!!

If you haven't visited the store before, Totem is where it's at. In addition to a bunch of new gear, they have a huge selection of gently used equipment, which is perfect for the budget minded shopper, or the family with too many sporty kids. Check it out:
7430 - 99 Street

http://www.totemoutfitters.ca
Phone: 780 432 1223

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

Town Hall

Join our Casino Crew

It is almost that time of year again...okay well it is five months away or so...but we like to be prepared!

Every two years Ritchie gets to host a casino to raise money for the league. Please stay tuned for our volunteer plea and pencil August 31 and September 1 into your calendar. For more volunteer info just click!

Blind Enthusiasm

Click to find out more...

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 clicking 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.

Hot Damn!

Hot Damn!
It's almost time Ritchie.
Prepare your taste buds for some hawt times. 
Tix on sale here!

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Cool Connections!

Are you ready Ritchie? We know this is an amazing neighbourhood to live in, shop in, work in, walk your dog in...now is your chance to connect with your locals to build on what already makes Ritchie great.

The Abundant Communities Edmonton (ACE) initiative is making Ritchie and Edmonton a more connected and engaged community: a place of support, education, local recreation, safety and care for neighbors by neighbors. And it's as simple as getting to know your neighbours!

You've probably heard that the league and community members have started the ACE framework, and now the search is on for block connectors. Come on down to the Open House to learn more about becoming a block connector, or how you can be part of this exciting initiative. 

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Ritchie ACE Open House
Monday March 6th
Drop in any time between 7-9pm
(short formal presentation at 7:15pm)
Enjoy refreshments and get to know your neighbours! 

Ritchie Market - Local Business Boost

It is so close, we can practically taste it.  Meat, coffee, beer and bikes...under one well designed, contemporary, collaborative space.Tell me, just how did Ritchie get so lucky? Oh right, we totally deserve great things. 

The doors at Ritchie Market aren't open just yet but we know we are definitely going to enjoy what you serve up Acme Meat Market, Transcend Coffee, family-friendly brewpub and Velocity Cycle. Consider this an early welcome to the hood - we'll give you a fist bump when you let us in! 

http://ritchiemarket.ca