by admin | Sep 26, 2020 | President’s Message
Hello Residents of Inglewood,
I am very pleased to share with you that the League is busy preparing to safely reopen our facility to residents for rental activity this September. New rules and procedures will be in place to help ensure the safety of those using the hall. If you are interested in renting the facility, please visit our webpage at: https://inglewoodcl.com/hall-rental/ for more information.
Despite the many challenges posed by the current pandemic, the League’s Board of Directors and volunteers have done their best to find new ways to connect more residents, encourage increased participation in League activities, and share vital community information through our various channels. Here are the highlights from the last six months of League events and activities:
- Covid-19 Outreach Initiative that involved food hampers, book exchange, friendly phoners, and grocery / prescription pick-up;
- a Covid modified community clean-up;
- a virtual block party, book club, yoga program, and volunteer session; and
- a Covid modified Outdoor Soccer program in conjunction with the community of Grovenor.
It has been my pleasure to work with the current Board of Directors who continued to work on these and other activities over this trying period. As a result, we increased membership, regularly distributed e-newsletters, and had a dedicated team monitoring our facility and grounds. An enormous thank you to all the volunteers for the many hours they dedicated to the League’s various activities, initiatives, and projects.
Looking ahead, I want to encourage residents to join us for two more important events: Community League Day on Saturday, September 19th and the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, October 3rd. For AGM, there are some additional safety measures needed and so we are asking residents to help us by registering for this year’s event. Details for both events can be found in this e-newsletter.
A quick update on phase 2 of the Neighbourhood Renewal project in Inglewood. The City advises that construction on phase 2 is on schedule. Weather dependent, you will see the City continuing to landscape with backfill topsoil and sod until the end of September. Construction for this year will be finishing up before snowfall around October / November. Please visit the City’s website for further Neighbourhood Renewal information. A reminder for those living in the areas included in phase 3 – the final phase – of the project that work will begin next spring (2021). The finished areas of our neighbourhood are looking fantastic! With only one more year of construction to go, Inglewood’s roads, sidewalks, and lights will be fit to serve our residents for the next 30 years or more.
Finally, serving as President over the past two years has been an incredibly rewarding experience. My deepest thanks to the membership for providing me the opportunity to hold this office. I look forward to next serving as your Past President on the Board of Directors and working with a new President and Board in the upcoming term. Thank you all for your time and support over the years.
All the best,
Reetu Schaaf
President
Inglewood Community League
by admin | Apr 2, 2020 | President’s Message
Hello Residents of Inglewood,
Spring has arrived – the Edmonton way, of course – with just a bit more snow! ? Last year around this time, I provided residents with a mid-term update on League activities. This year, however, things are a bit different as COVID-19 has grabbed everyone’s attention, including the League’s.
As you may have noticed, the League Hall has been closed to the public further to the public health measures that began on March 17, 2020. Inglewood Playground, located next to the hall, is also now closed. All League events and activities involving gatherings have been cancelled, until further notice. At this moment, we don’t have a date set to re-open or to resume larger activities. We will continue to monitor the situation and update this information as soon as we can. Please keep in mind, these local measures are in place to help protect our residents during this pandemic.
In place of our usual activities, the League is looking at how we can help connect residents who are interested in helping with those who might need help (see our next article to learn more).
The league has also been monitoring the various COVID-related announcements from government. Here are just a few of the updates, in case you missed them:
- Gatherings with 15 or more people are no longer allowed. This measure is now legally enforceable.
- The City has closed City Hall, in-person service counters, all playgrounds and recreational centres.
- Transit services (including Bus, LRT and DATS) are FREE until further notice. Riders are asked to enter buses through the back door unless otherwise required.
- Residential utility customers can request and option to defer electricity and natural gas bill payments for 90 days, regardless of the service provider. Call your utility provider directly for details.
- The City is providing an option to delay residential and non-residential property tax payments due on June 30, 2020. Call 311 or email taxes@edmonton.ca for details.
- Many banks have options available to defer mortgage payments. Call your bank directly for details.
- The Provincial government has extended expiry dates for Alberta driver’s licences, vehicle registrations and other permits and certificates until May 15, 2020. Check the GoA’s Government Service Changes for this information and other supports on: https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx
- The Federal government has extended income tax return filings to June 1, 2020. Check Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan for this information and other supports on: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html
Keep in mind this information can change quickly. I encourage residents to stay informed and frequently check information related to government announcements and special initiatives either through the sources noted above or below:
- City of Edmonton: https://www.edmonton.ca/programs_services/emergency_preparedness/covid-19.aspx
- Government of Alberta: https://www.alberta.ca/news.aspx
- Alberta Health Services: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/Page16944.aspx
- Government of Canada: https://pm.gc.ca/en/videos
- Public Health Agency of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health.html
Whether you are… working from home, have been deemed an essential or supply chain worker, off work because of a closure, attempting to homeschool / distance learn with your children, or just trying to find something for you or your kids to pass the time, COVID-19 is taxing and testing all of us. Like many of you, my family and I are at home and slowly adjusting to the circumstances we find ourselves in. Outside of our daily walk, one of the best parts of our day is finding a moment to watch an old episode of Mr. Dressup with our kids.
Staying in all the time takes a toll on the best of us. If you or members of your family are struggling, a reminder there are resources available that can offer some extra support from a distance during this time:
- Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only 24/7, national support service offering professional counselling, information and referrals to young people in both English and French. Call 1-800-668-6868, chat at https://kidshelpphone.ca/ or text 686868.
- Mental Health Helpline offers Albertans support with mental health concerns. Call 1-877-303-2642 for assistance.
- For other helpful services, check out this resource page: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/amh/Page16759.aspx
Lastly, I know we’ve all heard it before, but it truly can’t be said enough: when you do step out for groceries or go for a walk around the neighbourhood please maintain a 2-meter (or 6 feet) distance from others, wash your hands regularly, and follow the advice of our public health professionals. I know these are trying circumstances, but let’s all do our part to keep our community safe!
Stay safe.
Reetu Schaaf
President
Inglewood Community League
by admin | Mar 18, 2020 | President’s Message
Hello Again Inglewood,
A public health emergency was declared by the Province on March 17, 2020. Inglewood Community hall is now closed to the public and all activities in our facility have been cancelled, until further notice. This includes all private hall rentals. Individuals who have booked the hall will be contacted by the League to refund any advance rental payments made. No additional bookings will be accepted at this time.
At this moment, we don’t have a date set to re-open. We will update this information as soon as we can. During this period, we are working to ensure our hall undergoes a thorough cleaning to ensure the safety of the facility for when we reopen.
This is a challenging experience for all of us. The League would like to look at ways to help neighbours keep in touch during this trying time. Let us know if there is something you would like to try or if you have ideas to share with the community through our e-newsletter. Contact us at info@inglewoodcl.com.
Thank you kindly for your attention.
Reetu Schaaf
President
Inglewood Community League
by admin | Mar 15, 2020 | President’s Message
Hello Residents of Inglewood,
There is a lot of information circulating about the Covid-19 virus across both traditional and social media channels. Some of this information can appear confusing at times.
I want to reassure residents that the League is monitoring the situation and will take precautions, as necessary.
To help you and your family stay informed about what’s happening around us, I would like to take a moment to share these important links to information that you may, or may not, already be aware of:
Please consider referring to these sources of information for updates. The best thing to do is to remember to take an extra moment to step up your hand washing, stay informed through credible sources, and follow the guidance of our public institutions to help our broader community to cope with this matter.
Thank you for your attention on this topic.
Reetu Schaaf
President
Inglewood Community League
by admin | May 22, 2019 | President’s Message
Hello Inglewood,
Well, good news everyone, spring has finally arrived. I thought I might have missed it entirely with that sudden blast of “second” winter. It is so nice to see friends and families out and about in our community again!
The League is just over the mid-point of the 2018-2019 term and the first six months were very busy for the Board. With 17 Directors, many of whom were new to the League, the early months were spent onboarding and orienting on the Board’s basic functions. Since then, Directors have taken on several specific roles (apart from attending Board meetings) to plan, organize, and execute a mix of new and continuing League initiatives. Among the main highlights:
- Several board members have volunteered to keep abreast of various City initiatives taking place in and around our community. We have recently set up our own webpage to serve as a central point to connect residents to these type of initiatives.
- A Sustainability Committee has been established to look at both big and small ways the league can be more energy efficient. This group will be spearheading a solar panel installation on the main hall, in conjunction with a much-needed roof replacement, this summer.
- Our Programs Committee is piloting a Yoga class and running periodic Games night out of the main hall this year. They also recently led our annual Community Cleanup on May 12th and are now planning a Pancake Breakfast for Community League Day in September 2019.
- Building & Grounds (supported by a part-time resource) continues to manage, maintain, and monitor the League assets, including rental of the main hall.
- The Social Committee has already held two pub nights this term and has another night pending for June 2019. The committee is also busy preparing to host our second annual Show & Shine event on August 4th. Keep an eye on the Events calendar for these upcoming events.
- The Playground Redevelopment Committee is working on Phase 2 of the park project. Since the 2018 AGM, this team has been re-engaging with residents and stakeholders on the Phase 2 Conceptual Design.
- Our Outdoor Community Soccer program, offered through the months of May and June in partnership with Edmonton Minor Soccer Association, is up and running for a second year in a row. This year, our program has grown to three teams (U4, U5, and U7).
- The Communications Committee regularly maintains and pulls together League, City, and Community content for our three main communication avenues (e.g. e-newsletter, website, and Facebook). Sign up for our periodic e-newsletter to stay on top of information coming from the League.
Did you know that neighbourhood renewal activities starts this summer in the eastern quadrants of our boundaries? There will, no doubt, be some frustrating moments as we (i.e. pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists) go about our daily lives with construction around us for the next three years or so. However, when it’s all over, Inglewood’s infrastructure (i.e. drainage, road surfaces, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and lamp posts) will be brand new, look great, and expected to serve residents for another 30 to 50 years.
Whether you are tinkering in your garage, gardening in the front or back yard, or just sprucing up your property in some way, head outside to enjoy all the community has to offer. Perhaps take a moment to go for a walk, a bike ride, attend one of our community’s upcoming functions; get reacquainted with your neighbours, and access the many amenities and services in and around our community.
Happy Spring and Summer Everybody!
Reetu
President, Inglewood Community League
by admin | Nov 25, 2018 | President’s Message
I am honored and excited to serve as the President of the Inglewood Community League for 2018-2019. Over the past two years, I have been fortunate to serve on the board in other roles: First, as a Director-At-Large under Social Committee and then as one of two Sports Directors coordinating our first season of the Outdoor Soccer Program. During this time, I have had an opportunity meet with residents through our league’s events and programs. I look forward to meeting even more of our community members in my role as President.
I’d like to thank the over 60 members and guests who attended Inglewood’s Annual General Meeting on October 24, 2018; and welcome all new and returning Board of Directors who have stepped forward to take on various roles for the League this year. I’d also to take this opportunity to recognize and thank our outgoing Directors for their contributions, time and efforts on the board:
- Daryle Neidermayer (Communications),
- Shannon Marshall (Director At-Large),
- Rachel Haase (Garden Coordinator),
- David Schaaf (Sports Director),
- Terri Mugford (Secretary),
- Chenoa Anderson (Director At-Large), and
- Moses Myrol (Director At-Large)
Best wishes to each of you as you pursue other challenges and opportunities. I’d also like to acknowledge Paul Adams, our outgoing President, for his many years of dedicated service on the board. Mr. Adams will continue to support our board in the 2018-2019 term in the Past President’s role. Last, but not least, a huge thank you to our many past volunteers who sat on one of our working committees, helped work a casino, put on a social or program event, coached a team, took a lawn sign or canvassed our neighbourhood for one reason or another. Your support for various league initiatives has made all the difference.
In 2019, the City of Edmonton will start on several neighbourhood wide renewal and revitalization initiatives in Inglewood. While some parts of our community infrastructure have been well-maintained; not surprisingly, other parts of our community (both under and above ground) are in rough shape. I encourage all property owners and residents to take the time to attend any City-led community meetings to learn more about what these investments will do for our community and to provide your feedback. Most of these opportunities will not be available to Inglewood again for another 30 to 50 years. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to ensure our community infrastructure is upgraded. Please look to our website for event information and join our monthly email newsletter to keep apprised of these kinds of activities and more in our community.
Inglewood Community League, as a neighbourhood organization, has been in existence since the 1950s. The league draws upon the expertise and time of volunteers on both the board and at the committee level who, in turn: organize local programs and social engagements; build and maintain the League’s facilities (i.e. playground and hall); and, finally, take the time to keep tabs on and share information on civic issues as well as opportunities in our community. Whether you have lived in Inglewood for many years or you are a newcomer, I strongly encourage you to join our league, volunteer some of your time, and to partake in our events. It’s a great chance to give back, meet your neighbours, and even make some life-long friends close to home.
Reetu Schaaf
President
Inglewood Community League
