Constance Brissenden

Upcoming neighbourhood events could help improve community involvement Westwood residents hope that the recently received City of Edmonton revitalization grant will push the refresh button on their community league. Many of the more than 40 attendees met for the first time at a mingle that was part social event and part idea workshop in March. […]

Enjoy traditions, art, and storytelling during the heart of winter “The elves are busy,” said Christy Morin, artistic director of Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival. She is oh, so right. There are scores of volunteers for the Jan. 12-13 extravaganza. With more than 50,000 people expected to attend, volunteer training plays a major role […]

Few people think that failure is fun. That’s where Virginia Potkins and Amanda Nielsen come in, to prove them wrong. The duo are producing two innovative events, aptly called FuckUp Nights, or FUN, at The Aviary. Held Nov. 20 and Dec. 12, Potkins and Nielsen hope to entertain their audience with stories of failure. The […]

Inside Spruce Ave Community League hall, more than 20 residents worked hard with City of Edmonton staff to determine the future of their much-loved neighbourhood. Spruce Avenue became the focus of attention after the City reviewed some 2,000 sites in its land inventory looking for the best option for development of infill housing. Five conjoined […]

“Learn something new. It’s good for your brain.” I put this challenge to the test this fall by taking up Argentine tango. Not that I knew much about tango. I hadn’t watched it on YouTube, didn’t know the music, didn’t have high-heeled shoes with slippery soles to glide along the dance floor. On the plus […]

For two years, we’ve been waiting to dive into Borden Park’s natural swimming pool. On July 6, it finally opened for a test run for local community league members. They came, they saw, they swam, and they raved. The impressive new pool is 43 metres long and 16.8 metres wide. Sand on one side, with […]

Lunch hour at Spark! Youth Camp at Alberta Avenue Community League hall is busy and noisy. Camp participants eat pizza after spending the morning learning about theatre. Some, like 13-year-old Violet Walker, are mastering the technical side. Others, like Nyctea Hazewinkel, a Grade 5 student, are taking acting. “We made pizzas that show our personalities,” […]

It can be difficult to know what to do if someone is experiencing sexual harassment or violence. Should you intervene or step away from the situation? Emily Ophus is the community programs manager at the Calgary Sexual Health Centre, and her co-worker Stafford Perry recently gave a workshop at SkirtsAfire on this very topic. Both […]

Our community loves to cook together. The newly renovated kitchen at Alberta Avenue Community Centre is already host to the  Mennonite Centre’s Global Cooking program on Tuesdays, where new immigrants cook dishes from different cultures together, then sit down, socialize, and share a meal. Others in the neighbourhood are also taking advantage of the new […]

“What am I doing here with all these seniors?” The thought flashed through my mind the first time I walked into the Central Lions Seniors Association (CLSA). I admit it: I was still in denial that I, too, was a senior. That was five years ago. Today, like many people over 55, I embrace all […]

Summer in Alberta is perfect for road trips. My travels have taken me north to the “Mighty Peace” and south to Waterton Lakes National Park. Here are a few gems along the way. Plan a route and make hotel or camping reservations before you go NORTHBOUND Heading north to Peace River Peace River is 505 […]

Neighbourhood residents are lucky to have options for family night programs close by. I checked out three programs recently: they’re fun and won’t cost you a penny. Bent Arrow’s Powwow Night Want to learn more about indigenous culture? Every Thursday from 6-8 pm (except the last Thursday of the month), Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society […]