Position Filled: Ritchie Hall Operations Manager

The Ritchie Community League is accepting job applications for the position of Hall Operations Manager

The Hall Operations Manager (HOM) coordinates the league’s facility rentals, including the RCL hall, and ensures the facilities are safe and clean. The HOM provides feedback and recommendations regarding rental inquiries, policies, and procedures as well as hall maintenance, repairs, renovations, and improvements.

The HOM is also responsible for developing a strong relationship with the board, key community partners and stakeholders, as well as long term renters, to support the league’s mission and vision.

The Hall Operations Manager position offers 15 hours per week, but hours will vary depending on the needs of the League and facility. The rate of pay is $22 per hour. The hours of work are flexible and can be negotiated. Occasional work from home is also an option.

If you are interested in this position, please email vice-president@ritchie-league.com with your resume (CV) and cover letter. Put "Hall Operations Manager" in the subject field of the email when you apply.

Deadline to apply: April 14.

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Proposed Strathcona Community Health Hub opening in west Ritchie

The Ritchie Community League expresses its support of the Boyle Street Community Services’ proposed overdose prevention site in west Ritchie on the condition that Boyle Street honours the commitments it has made to community residents throughout its consultation.

The drug poisoning crisis has impacted every neighbourhood in Edmonton, and Ritchie is no exception. Many in our community have witnessed overdoses in our streets and parks, or have had loved ones pass away as part of this crisis. An overdose prevention site in Ritchie could save lives and ensure that the health and well-being of the most vulnerable members of our community is maintained and enhanced.

The community has raised a range of concerns over the proposed site. From potential public safety impacts, to ensuring that those attending the site are provided the range of wraparound services they need to address their health and social circumstances.

Boyle Street has committed to addressing the community’s concerns in a comprehensive and ongoing manner, and that it will be responsive to any issues raised into the future. Boyle Street promises not only to be a member of our Ritchie community, but a good neighour, one who takes it obligations to its neighbours and community as whole in a proactive, devoted manner.

The league’s support of the site is contingent on Boyle Street’s fulfillment of the promises it has made to the community.

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For more information on the proposed health hub, please visit Boyle Street’s website.

For further inquires and information on Ritchie Community’s League’s position, please contact our President Avnish Nanda at president@ritchie-league.com.

Ritchie Business Spotlight: Barb & Ernie’s Old Country Inn

If you’re craving an enormous plate of decadent pancakes or French toast, a delicious omelet or eggs Benedict, or a hearty serving of sausage, bacon, and eggs, may we recommend one of the best restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and brunch in Edmonton:

Barb & Ernie’s Old Country Inn

Why You Must Eat Here

It may be a family restaurant, or fall into the diner category of eating venues, but the German heritage of Barb and Ernie’s Old Country Inn is what sets them apart. On the menu you’ll find smatterings of German influence such as wiener schnitzel, bratwurst sausage, and potato pancakes. They even make their own condiments which have gained popularity with patrons over the years.

Although Barb and Ernie’s may strive for consistency and tradition, they also surprise with new offerings. To the delight of customers, they have experimented with breakfast specials like rouladen eggs Benedict, or the Christmas inspired French toast with pears, white chocolate and cranberries. Yummy indeed!

For those desiring a beverage of the alcohol variety, the restaurant offers traditional German beer along with brews from many of the local craft breweries that have popped up around the neighbourhood in recent years.

A Rich History in the Ritchie Community

Mango cream cheese crepes

Barb & Ernie’s is an Edmonton culinary institution! In operation since 1975, the restaurant gained notoriety in the 1980s through the talents and colourful personalities of its hosts, original owners, Barb and Ernie Feuchter.

Many in Ritchie have fond memories of breakfasts at Barb and Ernie’s, being greeted by Ernie and savouring the wonderful meals prepared by Ernie and Barb. Some of us also remember Ernie being quite a local celebrity in the 80s-90s through his appearances on cooking segments on local TV morning shows. (An annotated timeline of the history of Barb and Ernie’s restaurant appears on their breakfast menu. It is worth a read).

The tradition of excellence continues with second generation current owners, Thomas and Charlene Feuchter. Thomas, being the oldest of Barb and Ernie’s four children, grew up working in his parent’s restaurant. Together, he and wife, Charlene, honed their restauranteur skills as owners of Thomas’ Fisherman’s Grotto, a delightful “labour of love” for the couple, in the current location of the Blue Chair restaurant in east Ritchie. It was during this time that the couple began to raise a family, mingle with customers, and establish their own unique identity within the community. Thomas’ Fisherman’s Grotto operated for 12 years in Ritchie.

With Ernie suffering health issues in later years, the time was ripe in 2008 for Thomas and Charlene to take over ownership of Barb & Ernie’s Old Country Inn. To this day, the name of the restaurant remains the same, as well, the tradition of excellence. The vision and passion of the Thomas and Charlene, continues to endear the restaurant to existing and new generations of patrons.

Their Amazing Staff

Current owners Charlene and Thomas Feuchter

Integral to the success of Barb & Ernie’s is their manager, Chris Morris, who has been with the restaurant 41 years. Chris is the official greeter of every customer who walks through the doors, and Thomas and Charlene are quick to point out that her people skills are unmatched by anyone they have ever met.

Charlene and Thomas run the kitchen. So, how does a married couple work side-by-side, day-in-and-day-out? “It's something we still work on, but we are getting better the older we get”, says Charlene. She lovingly refers to Thomas as her "Connor McDavid" in the kitchen There is no one who can run a grill like him. On any given Sunday, Barb & Ernie’s Old Country Inn pumps out up to 400 breakfasts, accommodating swarms of hungry patrons. Pretty impressive for a restaurant where the kitchen and grill space the size of a regular home kitchen.

The majority of serving staff is under 20-years-old. Barb and Ernie’s have a history of hiring and developing the hospitality skills of their young wait staff, and that tradition has continued through the years. Charlene and Thomas take pride in admitting that their staff are like family. “We never forget them, and they never forget us. We have ‘kids’ who worked with us 10 years ago coming in to visit with their own kids now”. Even today, you will seldom find a more welcoming an enthusiastic serving staff then the young people working at Barb and Ernie’s.

Great Food and a Welcoming Vibe

For Barb and Ernie's Old Country Inn, their goal is to make you feel at home. Warm hospitality with quality comfort food, coupled with efficiency is what they strive for every day.

Barb and Ernie’s Inn has always been a place for patrons to gather, dine, and connect with one another. Few restaurants can boast of the large demographic that the Old Country Inn attracts, with customer relationships that span years and even generations. A common sight are the weekly groups of families, friends, retirees, and business partners meeting to enjoy the great food and service that Barb and Ernie’s provides. Food will always connect people. Barb and Ernie’s Old Country Inn is a stage for those connections. For Thomas and Charlene, it makes the work and challenge of running a successful restaurant business all worthwhile.

New Directions and Partnerships

Paul and Amsale Sumamo of Langano Skies

The Feuchters have recently decided to slow things down a bit, taking more time to enjoy family, and the fruits of their labour. The Old Country Inn may close after 2 pm, it’s created opportunity for another amazing family restaurant to offer take out service in the evening hours. Langano Skies Ethiopian Cuisine joined Barb and Ernie’s Old Country Inn this past October after closing their Whyte Avenue location. Thomas and Charlene are quick to admit that Paul and Amsale Sumamo have been a joy and pleasure to share space with. It was a natural fit. Langano Skies offers take-out Thursday to Saturday 4:30-9:00 pm and have also been doing special dine-in evenings once or twice a month.

Barb and Ernie’s are proud to be a part of the Ritchie community and the business community on Block 72 most notably, the What's New on 72 Block Party held on Father’s Day weekend highlighting all the great businesses, products, and services in the area. In January 2023, Barb and Ernie’s was honoured to participate in the successful "hilli for Charity event held at Longroof Brewing Co. for Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS).

Let’s continue to show Barb and Ernie’s our appreciation for being a valued part of the Ritchie community. If you haven’t visited Barb and Ernie’s yet, or it’s been a while, you might want to plan your next breakfast or brunch at the Old Country Inn.

Barb & Ernie’s Old Country Inn

9906 72 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 0Z3

Hours: Mon - Closed

7 am – 2 pm Tues - Fri

8 am – 2 pm Sat and Sun

Website: oldcountryinnedmonton.com

Phone: (780) 433-3242

Email: oldcountryinn@gmail.com

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More Ritchie businesses worth visiting are listed in out shopping guide!

Improvement Opportunity

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Parent lead playgroups

This program is for parents/guardians with kids ages 0-5 who are interested in connecting with other Ritchie (or adjacent neighbourhood) families.

Weekly meet-ups at the hall for ages 0-5, Wednesdays, 9 to 11 am (led by Hannah) except during July, August, spring break, and December/January holiday break.

There is no cost to drop-in but we ask that you consider purchasing a Ritchie membership, an affiliate membership or donate what you can.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNTIIES

1. For September 2023 onward, we are looking for a new program lead for the 0-5 year old playgroup.

2. Starting and hosting a different playgroup for a different age range.

CONTACT: Programs@ritchie-league.com

The Ritchie Community League rink is OPEN!!!

DIG OUT YOUR SKATES! SHARPEN THOSE BLADES! PUT ON YOUR FAVOURITE TOQUE!

Every year RCL volunteers put in hundreds of hours (typically more than 300) to flood, shovel and maintain the ice. The Ritchie board wants to thank these volunteers for all the work that they do throughout the winter season. Without them making and maintaining the ice there wouldn't be a rink to play on. 

We can't wait to see you and your family and friends out on the ice for a friendly race, a slap of the puck, or a shoot the duck demonstration. 

More Rink Information

Check out the Ritchie Holiday Shopping Guide

This holiday season, shop locally!

Ritchie is known across the city for the Mill Creek ravine, its park, splash pad and skating rink, as well as drinking and dining establishments, but it’s also home to a variety of independent retail businesses. This year, avoid the crowded malls and expensive shipping fees by treating yourself and your family and friends to gifts in your own backyard.

We’ve put together a little guide to help you shop locally this holiday season. Whether you’re looking for sustainable gifts from Re:Plenish, something for the foodie in your life from Ritchie Market, or to satisfy your family and friends’ latest pop culture obsession at Warp One, Ritchie has something for everyone.

In honour of Ritchie's Centennial, Blind Enthusiasm Brewing presents Four Corners

We are thrilled to announce our latest Centennial collaboration with Ritchie legends, Blind Enthusiasm Brewing!

Four Corners is a bright, fruity ale that was dry-hopped with four hops. Blind Enthusiasm is kindly donating $1 from each 4-pack sold to the Ritchie Community League. Cans are available at Biera and Biera Market, online or select liquor stores across Alberta.

Thank you to Blind Enthusiasm for helping us celebrate 100 years of the Ritchie Community League!

Ready to party, Ritchie?

Poster by Scott Carmichael

On September 17, we’re teaming up with local artists, performers, and vendors to celebrate our centennial with a legendary summer send-off event.

Free Pancake Breakfast!

9 AM TO 11 AM

Join us outside the Ritchie Community Hall to fuel up for the day with delicious pancakes on us.

Party in the Park

12 PM TO 4 PM

Enjoy a variety of free family activities, including:

• Bouncy obstacle courses

• Face painting

• Live performances from John Guliak, The Brigadiers, Jay Gilday, and Lindsey Walker

• Delicious food truck eats

• Wander ’Round Ritchie historical walking tours

  • 1 PM tour sign up here

  • 3 PM tour sign up here

Concert in the Hall

7 PM TO MIDNIGHT

To close out the party, we'll celebrate in the hall with late-night snacks, artwork by Evan Pearce, and music from Marlaena Moore, Major Love, and Aladean Kheroufi.

$20 entry, tickets on sale here. +18

Come celebrate with us and toast the last 100 years and the next 100 years!

Interested in volunteering?

We are looking for a number of volunteers to help us throughout the day.

Sign up for a volunteer shift now here. All volunteers will receive an exclusive Ritchie Community League Volunteer t-shirt!