Program director is set to introduce great programs to a vibrant league

Virginia Potkins is a veteran contributor to the neighbourhood. You will find her in formal positions, such as program director, board member, and event planner. She’s also active in less formal positions, such as volunteering at the Edmonton Folk Fest or organizing get togethers on Facebook. She has a long history of volunteerism and involvement in community events and organizations. 

And Potkins has plans.

Potkins has worked closely with Karen Mykietka, who, as facility manager at Alberta Avenue Community League, has also been acting unofficially as program director. With Potkins taking on the position, both Mykietka and Potkins can now focus their talents for greater effect. 

Buckle up. Our beloved community is about to get even better.

Potkins aims to continue the vast array of current programs and projects that enrich the community. One recent program includes painting classes, which Potkins proudly asserts, “have been a huge success and sell out every time. There is even a wait list. We live in an area where people like to express themselves in many ways, including art.”

Other current programs include the Spark! Youth Camp, drop-in math tutoring, pole walking, community garage sales, free classes on Excel and PowerPoint, and other offerings that reflect the talents of community members. Potkins has been involved in creating the recent pop-up markets, which will help the league board to assess whether or not a farmers market is sustainable in the community. The collective kitchen helps families from Alberta Ave and surrounding communities. 

Potkins is also helping to establish a Men’s Shed, where men come together around a project, like building a fence for a senior. The idea is that participants will relax and talk to each other while working on a project, providing an outlet to seek support in various aspects of their lives. Jeff Potkins has stepped up to facilitate that initiative, with a target start date of Oct. 8.

Potkins is also organizing a speaker series. This involves a group of speakers focusing on a theme, such as health, buying a first home, selling a home, or renovating. The model has worked well in Terrace Heights, and Alberta Ave would both benefit and be a rich source of potential speakers.

For Small Business Week, a national event in October, Potkins has announced the first annual Alberta Avenue Business Awards Gala to take place on Oct. 24 at the community league. Details will be available soon.

Alberta Avenue Community League is making changes that will channel abundant talents and expertise toward even greater things to come. As the league board reorganizes, Potkins is hoping to add to her role as program director by putting her name forward for board president. Brendan van Alstine, current president, will be stepping down in the spring.

Potkins says she is inspired by the calibre of people who live in the community. The high level of thoughtful and diverse engagement creates a powerful, safe, inclusive, and enjoyable neighbourhood for all who live here. Her vision is to strengthen Alberta Ave as a tight community that inspires others by example.

ALBERTA AVE COMMUNITY LEAGUE

9210 118 Ave

albertaave.org

Featured Image: Virginia Potkins is a proud contributor to the Alberta Ave Community League | Tekla Luchenski