Fall and winter programming includes indoor and outdoor activities

Local leagues are continuing to provide safe and fun programming despite the coming winter and the continuing pandemic.

Ali Hammington, president of Alberta Avenue Community League, says, “[We’re] planning to host Thursday Community Nights on a weekly basis. The hall will be open from 5-8 pm for socially-distanced coffee and snacks, and the Fresh Routes mobile low-cost fruit and veggie market will be on site. We will offer access to a free book exchange and emergency food pantry.”

Bent Arrow will be providing Indigenous Teachings on Nov. 5, 19, Dec. 3, and 17.

Other programming includes resume preparation, an English conversation circle, a knitting circle, and Naloxone training. 

“In addition, we’ll be bringing in teachers and knowledge-keepers to share their gifts. Anyone with something to teach or share should contact programs@albertaave.org. Keep your eye on social media for details on upcoming Community Night events,” Hammington says.

Resident Alyssa Becker-Burns started up monthly Accordion Avenue Jams. Email her at accordionavenuejam@gmail.com for more information. Plus, watercolour Paint Nights are back. Register for the Nov. 7, Nov. 28, and Dec. 12 events through timecounts.org/alberta-avenue. Classes start at 1 pm at the community centre and cost $15. COVID health guidelines are in effect.

Eastwood Community League has started up its Meditation Mondays class, held at the league at 6:30 pm. An Eastwood Community League membership is required to participate.

Kate Wilson, the league’s facility coordinator, says, “We are tentatively planning on opening the outdoor rink for skate season, and we’ll be following current guidelines for COVID-19. As of late October, we’re still waiting for guidance from Alberta Health Services. We may have a family fun skate, but this is tentative. It was a great success last year. Watch for details on our website.”

They’re also offering the free snow removal program for seniors and those with disabilities again this year, set to start in late November or early December. 

For youth, the Sarah McLachlan School of Music is offering music lessons at Eastwood community hall. To learn more, visit sarahschoolofmusic.com or email nathan@sarahschoolofmusic.com. 

Parkdale Cromdale Community League has a lineup of programming, plus its logo contest.

Sarah DeLano, the league’s program director, says anyone entering the logo contest will need to communicate three messages in the design: heritage and history, Parkdale and Cromdale representation, and neighbourhood diversity. Submit the design and a paragraph explaining the concept to development@parkdalecromdale.org before 11:59 pm on Oct. 31. Visit parkdalecromdale.org/logo for more info.

And check out the Short Story Book Club, held every second Thursday. 

“This will be hosted in person (potential to change) at the league where we will chat about the recent read. All stories will be sent out prior to the meet-up and they will be accessible online. This is an adult book club, as mature content may be covered.” When weather permits they may meet outdoors around a fire; otherwise, they will meet physically distanced in the hall. “Bring your layers, a mask, a comfy chair, a cozy drink, and your thoughts!” says DeLano.

Stay active with the Wednesday Coffee Stroll, a physically-distanced, mask-required walking group. “This group is senior-focused, but all are welcome as distance will not exceed 5 km and can be easily accomplished by all levels,” says DeLano. The walks start at 8:30 am at Sheriff Robertson Park.

Or, join the Grass Routes Running Group at the league on Wednesdays at 6 pm and Sundays at 9 am. The run, which incorporates physical distancing, takes about 45 minutes. 

Yoga, normally Tuesdays at 7 pm, barre classes, normally Wednesdays at 6 pm, and Creart music lessons, typically Saturdays at 10 am, will all soon be moving indoors.

Sabino Spagnuolo, communications director of Spruce Avenue Community League, says, “We are working to see how our skating rink can remain open, but all programming in general is essentially on hold still pending their viability.”

Check other league websites or Facebook pages for programming information.

Featured Image: Accordion Avenue Jams is starting up again at Alberta Avenue Community League. | Supplied