With spring here, leagues are planning their programming for May and the coming summer.

Alberta Avenue Community League is offering fundraising events for its 100th anniversary as well as a few programs.

Ali Hammington, league president, says, “We shut down HUB Night because it was too demanding on volunteers. We turned it into Community Drop-in Night.”

Community Drop-In Night is on Thursdays from 7 to 9 pm. Activities include a knitting circle, art classes, lectures and presentations, and gym time for children and youth. Coffee and snacks are included. 

“We would love people to come knit. We have a master knitter and crochetter,” Hammington says. 

The league continues to offer free naloxone training. “We’ve been training 80-90 people a month. We now have a handful of trainers.”

An upcoming fundraiser event is the Car Show and Shine in June. Pub Nights will be returning starting in June or July.

Eastwood Community League has programming in June. Kate Wilson, facilities manager, says, “June 11 is our dance workshop, as our version of the ParticipACTION Community Better Challenge. We had one last summer, to great success. This year, the three workshops will be Afro-fusion, Soca, and Bhangra.”

The free workshops will be at Eastwood’s outdoor rink and are appropriate for all ages and fitness levels. Pre-register on the website when it’s available or at the event.

Morgan Wolf, president of Elmwood Park Community League, says, “We’re doing our Big Bin event on May 28 at the league hall.”

The league is also holding a free Mother’s Day Art Class on May 5 from 4 to 5:45 pm at the hall. Participants will use provided art supplies to create a Mother’s Day card. Email jenniferostopovich@gmail.com to register. Also in June is an Adult Sip and Paint Class.

Area children and youth can look forward to some summer activities. “The Greenshack will be starting up in June from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm.”

The league is organizing outdoor bands once a month during the summer (June 25 is the first one) as well as a cribbage tournament.

Parkdale-Cromdale Community League is offering three programs. Yoga will be offered on Tuesdays from 7 to 8 pm, and a meditation and conversation group on Tuesdays from 8 to 9 pm. 

“[Yoga is taught by Jesse], who’s done yoga at our hall before,” says Sarah DeLano, program director. “We’re hoping everyone will feel welcome. The classes are for all levels.”

On the first three Thursdays of the month from 6 to 8 pm is Working Class Spanish. 

“The class will be pretty beginner. I’m hoping people sign up and come regularly.” People can drop in if they already have an understanding of Spanish. “It’s an actual language class.” Reading, writing, speaking, and listening are included, along with music, games, and cultural topics. 

“We’ll have a [Mexican] meal with that class,” says DeLano. The class is free, but the meal is not. The cost of the meal will depend on the caterer.

CreArt programming is back at the league for in-person classes on Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm. “There’s free music classes, guitar lessons, and singing.” 

The league also has ongoing Pub Nights on the third Saturday of every month, starting at 7 pm.

All programs are at the league and are free with an annual $5 membership fee.

Spruce Avenue Community League’s programming will focus primarily on fundraising activities for their community garden. Sabino Spagnuolo, the league’s communications director, says the community garden may be ready in early summer. Their biggest fundraiser continues to be with thegudbox.ca/products/the-spruce-avenue-gud-box. 

“The annual Jane’s Walk on May 9 is going ahead rain or shine,” adds Spagnuolo. The walk will start at 7 pm in front of the league. “There will be a sign-up process. We’re prepared to organize smaller groups of people.”

He adds, “Our garage sale is coming back. We’re hoping people will come to us and rent a table [for $10].”

Pending COVID-19 health restrictions, the garage sale is scheduled for Saturday, May 28 from 9 am until 4 pm. 

“We might have a barbecue and drinks,” says Spagnuolo. 

On May 14, Westwood Community League is holding a Spring Paint Night for people 18 years and older at the league hall. Tickets are $40 and the event runs from 7 to 9 pm. Buy tickets on Eventbrite, or RSVP and pay for tickets at the door. RSVP to engage@westwoodcl.ca. 

“A complimentary glass of wine and snacks are included,” says Katie Hayes, a league board member. “Additional glasses of wine are $4.”

On June 24, the league is holding its Summer Barbecue and Sidewalk Sale in the evening. It’s $10 for league members to rent a table, and $20 for non-members. If interested, email engage@westwoodcl.ca. The event will be held outdoors at the league. A free barbecue is included for league members, while non-members pay $2 for a hotdog and pop.