Valley Ridge’s Community Newsletter
Available online at www.calgaryarea.com/nw/valleyridge/valleyridge.htm
July 2010
SOCCER Wrapup
A fantastic season has just closed.
Many thanks to a terrific committee
and all the coaches and other parent
volunteers who made the season go
so smoothly. Because of all of the
parent volunteers, our community
events were very successful and
the year was a lot of fun for over
300 Valley Ridge and Crestmont
children.
We made a few changes to the
program this past season and would
like to know what parents think
about them. In order to do this,
we have set up a series of online
surveys (one for each division,
team managers and coaches) that
are available via the soccer website
(valleyridgesoccer.com). We ask that
parents only complete one survey
per child enrolled. We will review
your answers and comments and
make changes based on results.
These surveys will be available from
June 26 through September 25.
The Valley Ridge U-5 Deinosuchus team practice their ball skills
under the guidance of coaches John Quinn and Bernie Eigl.
Pictures and medals were distributed
to team managers. If you did not
receive your photo and medal,
contact your team manager. We are
also looking for new committee
members. If you are interested in
helping at the committee level,
contact Suzanne at sbwelsh@
ucalgary.ca. Planning for 2011 will
start in September.
Suzanne Brett Welsh
The Valley Breeze
VRCA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President
John DeRinzy
Vice President David St. Louis Secretary
Darcie Nastiuk
Treasurer
Jim Hinks
[email protected] 289-1949
[email protected]
[email protected] 286-4724
[email protected] 288-7181
VRCA DIRECTORS
Community Planning & Development
Grant Knowles
[email protected]
Community Relations & Communications
Lynne Dulaney
[email protected]
Community Events
Christa McKegney
[email protected]
Sports Programs
Devin Wagner
[email protected]
Facilities
Russ Dickson
[email protected]
Director-at-Large/New Facilities Committee
Suzanne Brett Welsh
[email protected]
Director-at-Large/Membership Chair
Shannon Winklemann
[email protected]
Director-at-Large/Facilities
David McCarrel
[email protected]
288-2009
532-0521
286-3281
836-5631
289-7150
286-3034
VALLEY BREEZE NEWSLETTER
Editor
J’Anne Claridge 220-1826
[email protected]
Assistant Editor
Charlene Randles 669-4154
[email protected]
Page 3
The Valley Breeze
is the official newsletter
for Valley Ridge and the
Valley Ridge Community Association.
It is published 12 times a year by Suburban Journals Publishing and delivered
by Canada Post. The Valley Breeze is also available for pickup at Valley Ridge
Pharmacy. An electronic version of The Valley Breeze can be viewed at
www.calgaryarea.com/nw/valleyridge/valleyridge.htm. Questions regarding
article/photo contributions should be directed to the editor at valleybreeze@
shaw.ca or 403-220-1826. Submissions (300 words or less) are due by the 5th
of the preceding month. Questions regarding advertising should be directed
to Suburban Journals Publishing at [email protected] or call Phil at
403-660-7324.
Please note, the information and opinions in this newsletter are subject to
change, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the publisher, the
editor, or the VRCA Board of Directors.
Disclaimer: Any advertisements, home businesses, babysitters and nannies,
or other parties listed in The Valley Breeze should not be interpreted as
recommendations or endorsements by the VRCA, the editor or the publisher.
Re-publication of the Valley Breeze Newsletter (in whole or part) requires the
express written permission of the article’s author and the publisher. Please
direct re-publication requests to [email protected].
VALLEY RIDGE LEAF COMMITTEE
[email protected] 286-3421
VALLEY RIDGE SOCCER CLUB
Suzanne Brett Welsh
www.valleyridgesoccer.com
[email protected]
PLAZEBO
Edward Jones
Jennifer Noble: Agent, State Farm Insurance
Luna Salon & Spa
Richard’s Cleaners M-F 10am-7pm; Sa 9am-5pm; Su closed
Pachet Assessment and Rehabilitation Services Inc.
www.pachetservices.com
Pizza 73
www.pizza73.com
M-F 6:30a-10p, Sat 7-10, Sun 8-10
SmartMart
M-F 8-8, Sat 10-6, Closed Sun/Hol.
Post Office
Stoney Trail Veterinary Clinic
www.stoneytrailvet.infovet.ca
Valley Ridge Dental Centre
www.valleyridgedentalcentre.com
Valley Ridge Family Physicians
Valley Ridge Massage Therapy Clinic
Valley Ridge CounterCare Pharmacy
Valley Ridge Wine and Liquor
[email protected]
Valley Ridge Chiropractic & Wellness Centre
Chiropractors/Acupuncturist/Naturopath
Valley Ridge Psychologist: Dr. Tanja Haley
www.drtanja.com
Van Gogh Grill & Bar
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Alderman, Dale Hodges
M.L.A., Alana Delong
M.P., Rob Anders
286-5636
286-7009
262-4460
451-7468
232-1212
273-7373
247-7677
603-1359
247-2737
202-2266
282-3806
247-5007
532-4500
247-0341
202-1114
669-0005
288-9664
[email protected] 268-2430
[email protected] 216-5400
[email protected] 292-6666
OTHER
Block Parents Monica Webster
[email protected]
Calgary Public Library
www.calgarypubliclibrary.com
Bowness 221-2022 Crowfoot 221-4122
Century Group
www.valleyridgeestates.com
Community Liaison Officer 249-7701
Lodge at Valley Ridge
www.lodgeatvalleyridge.ca
286-4414
Valley Ridge Golf Club
www.valleyridgegolf.com
221-9682
Valley Ridge Scout Group Jeff Schaffhauser
283-4993
VALLEY VR RIDGE
Valley Ridge
Community Association
Board meetings
are held every fourth
Wednesday of the month at
The Lodge at Valley Ridge
starting at 7:00 p.m.
VRCA Planning Committee
Please contact Grant Knowles
for the next meeting date,
time and place:
[email protected].
Residents are welcome to attend
either of these meetings.
JULY 2010
THE VALLEY BREEZE
5
From the Editor’s Desk
I like to walk my dogs near the east
soccer fields and watch the little kids
playing soccer. Their colourful jerseys
create a moving rainbow across the
fields as they all chase the ball in a
pack. The littlest players are the cutest
as they learn the game, some standing
and gazing off into space, others
picking dandelions, while still more
actually try to kick the ball, often into
their own net!
Plazebo Pauze
Local businesses are invited to submit
short profile articles to the Breeze.
Content restrictions are minimal –
we are interested in knowing more
about the people who invest so much
time and energy in their businesses
at the Plazebo. Contact the editors
for more information by emailing
[email protected].
I am a big supporter of children’s
community sports. It’s a wonderful
opportunity for kids to learn how to
play on a team, get some exercise and
make new friends. It’s even good for
the parents. Living in Valley Ridge,
there isn’t a local school where students
and parents can meet their neighbours.
That leaves playgrounds and sports
teams as places to meet and make new
Valley Ridge friends. Some of my
dearest friends over the years were the
parents of my children’s friends, friends
they met at school and sports. Often our
friendships formed while serving as a
volunteer either at the school or for the
sports teams.
Also, if you have misplaced a current
issue, additional copies may be picked
up at the Valley Ridge pharmacy,
Counter Care. For this month’s
electronic edition you can also visit
www.calgaryarea.com/nw/
valleyridge/valleyridge.htm.
Whether you have children or not, I
encourage you to volunteer in your
community. It’s a great way to meet
your neighbours and contribute to the
well being of our neighbourhood. There
are a variety of committees looking
for new members to help make this
community an even better place to live.
Check out the article on page 7 and
then jump right in!
J’Anne Claridge
Just in Case You Didn’t Know…
You can view the current issue of the
Valley Breeze electronic file at our
publisher’s website:
www.suburbanjournals.ca.
VRCA Membership Reminder
Membership in the VRCA runs the
calendar year, January to December. The
membership is per household, not per
individual and one membership covers all
individuals living at that address, including
children. Contact information collected
by the VRCA will only be used by the
VRCA and will not be sold or otherwise
distributed. Notices regarding upcoming
community events may be sent via email.
Memberships may be purchased online
using the soccer registration website (you
do not need to register for soccer:
www.valleyridgesoccer.com).
Your membership helps to fund activities
within our community and provides
support for VRCA initiatives and future
facilities, making Valley Ridge a better
place to live. If you have any questions,
call Shannon (Membership Chair) at
403-289-7150 or email shwinkelmann@
yahoo.ca.
2010 Memberships On Sale Online
The VRCA is selling memberships
online, through the Valley Ridge soccer
web site: www.valleyridgesoccer.com.
If you have never used the soccer
web site before, you will need to
set up a profile which will be stored
for future years. It will read Valley
Ridge soccer on your receipt, but this
will be replaced by a VRCA receipt
and membership card. The web site
accepts VISA or MasterCard.
I would like to become a member of the
Valley Ridge Community Association
New q
Name:
Renewal q
________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Phone: ________________ Email:_________________________
Mail membership form & cheque for $35 to
Valley Ridge Community Association
C/O Membership Chair
75 Valley Brook Circle NW, Calgary, T3B 5S3
Please make cheque payable to VRCA
THE VALLEY BREEZE
Volunteers
Needed for VRCA
Facilities
The rink is once again returned to
“summer mode,” where it plays host to
basketball, inline skating, ball hockey,
skateboarding and other activities.
At time of writing, the Valley
Ridge Community Association is
still awaiting news from Alberta
Lotteries as to whether or not our
grant application was approved.
While the scope of our improvements
will vary based on the level of
funding available, we are looking for
volunteers to help with a number of
projects over the next several months.
• June/July: rock picking and ground
leveling
• June/July/August: watering
• July/August: deck building
• July/August: installing benches and
railings
• July/August: building maintenance
• October/November: installing snow
fencing
• October/November: cleaning rink
surface/preparing grounds
• October/November: installing
dasher boards for tot rink
If you can spare a morning or
afternoon over the next couple of
months, please let us know. Thanks!
Russ Dickson
JULY 2010
7
Beautification Update
Summer has officially begun, and
with the nicer weather comes further
improvements to our neighbourhood.
The traffic circle and four-way stop
perennials were planted in mid-May,
and we hope to see some significant
growth during their first year. Flowers
should be visible in the four-way stop
by now. They are due to be planted the
first or second week of June, weatherdepending. With all the snow we had
at the end of May, we held off the
planting of the flowers.
is permitted this year, there will be
signs posted along the main roads to
warn residents of the spraying dates.
Please stay off the grass for at least 24
hours. Spraying schedules are weather
dependent. LEAF hopes that this will
be our last year of requesting herbicide
spraying to occur, and we all must
realize that dandelions and weeds are
difficult to control and an inescapable
nuisance.
LEAF has determined that the medians
and boulevards will receive the focus
of our efforts for this year. Already, the
medians have been fertilized, aerated,
top-dressed, and grass seed added.
Christa McKegney
You may notice two things likely to
irritate you; first, the grass will be
growing more quickly (we hope) and
may look a little shabby in between
our mowing sessions which are
scheduled every two weeks. Second,
you may notice that somehow the
medians along Valley Ridge Drive
West are particularly bad; there are
bald patches along the edges of the
medians. We are unsure why this
occurred... salt from winter or poor
driving? Regardless, these areas
have been reseeded, but it will take
time for the grass to grow. We have
a water truck ordered, and watering
of the medians and boulevards will
commence soon.
As always, we have a dandelion
problem in the neighbourhood. This
is a common problem throughout the
City. We have requested herbicide
spraying for the worst of the public
grass (we will not get an entire blitz of
the neighbourhood), but are waiting
to hear if the dandelion/weed count is
high enough in those areas to warrant
spraying, and if we have final approval
from City Hall. If herbicide spraying
Here’s hoping for a beautiful summer!
T-Ball in Valley
Ridge
Attention all parents of four to six year
olds. Do you want your kids to have
some fun this fall? Sign them up to
play T-ball on the ball diamond near the
west soccer fields starting August 23.
If there is enough interest, and a parent
willing to co-ordinate, we could also
have a parent pitch division for older
children.
For more t-ball information, email
Greg at [email protected]. For parents
interested in organizing a parent-pitch
division, please contact Devin at
[email protected]. If no one steps
forward for the parent-pitch division,
only the U7 T-ball division will be run.
THE VALLEY BREEZE
New Facility
Committee
Update
For the past six months, a group of
residents who comprise the New
Facility Committee has been working
on three streams of activity. With the
building of a new community centre
as the committee’s goal and focus, we
have established a new society and
will seek charitable status that will
help us with our fundraising strategy.
This society has as its main objective
to build a community centre for the
residents of Valley Ridge.
In combination with this, the committee is working on site issues, continuing to investigate other community
centres as part of the business plan,
and planning to have a new building
design by the end of the year.
Finally, the committee continues to
work with our MLA Alana DeLong to
establish the possibility of building a
school as part of the community centre. This is also a long process, which
will require some effort to explore the
charter school option.
This fall, the committee will be
holding an open house consultation
meeting with the community to gather
feedback on these issues. The committee welcomes new members from the
community, interested in participating in this endeavor. Contact Suzanne
([email protected]) for more information or to join the committee.
JULY 2010
9
Valley Ridge’s Writer in Residence
winter, while in the summer you
generally find him either playing
golf at the VRGC, riding his bike on
our pathways or having a pop at Van
Gogh’s.
If you are interested in reading his
compelling story, the book retails at
$15.90 and can be purchased online at
amazon.com.
Dr. Larry McConnell, a Valley Ridge
resident since 1997, had his book
Cardiac Champs published this month.
Cardiac Champs is a self-help book
that teaches people with heart disease,
particularly heart attack survivors,
how to live a healthy, vigorous, happy
life.
The book offers real hope because
it was written by a survivor who
continues to live an active, happy and
meaningful life 25 years after having
had two heart attacks and suffering
cardiac arrest. Dr. McConnell wisely
uses humour and optimism to avoid
any cathartic outpouring as he maps
out his program to conquer anger,
chronic worry, panic attacks and the
perpetual fear of death. This focus on
the mental and emotional aspects of
recovery is unique. Indeed, the entire
book is marked by innovation. It is
even evident in the chapters concerned
with traditional heart health issues
such as diet and exercise. Cardiac
Champs is a must read for heart attack
survivors and others with heart disease
who do not want the condition of their
arteries to dictate the kind of life they
live.
Dr. McConnell is a retired
psychologist who received his doctoral
degree in counseling psychology
from McGill University. He was
formerly the CEO of Calgary Family
Services (1997-2002). He now spends
his time traveling and writing in the
Pancake
Breakfast and
Garage Sale
Update
8
Despite the snow,
the community
pancake breakfast,
held on the morning of Saturday,
May 29, was a lot of fun for over 85
people, who braved the weather and
attended the event! We set up the
inside of the ice rink garage/shed as a
makeshift “restaurant” complete with
heaters. Dedicated pancake flippers
ensured that the pancake mix was as
close to perfection as possible, and
everyone had a lot of warm drinks!
Many children also visited the nearby
playground for some springtime fun.
Thanks to all our dedicated volunteers
for their hard work in making this
event an enjoyable way to pass a
snowy weekend morning in late May!
The garage sale went better than
expected as well. With some homes
off to a late start, there were still many
deals to be had.
Here’s hoping that next year is warm
and sunny!
Christa McKegney
THE VALLEY BREEZE
Board Matters
Highlights of the
May 26, 2010
Board Meeting
Valley Pointe Estates: Construction
and development of the site is well
underway . Some residents have
concerns regarding noise, mud and
dust as trucks are entering and leaving
the construction site. The Board is
working with Melcor and Ald. Hodges
to ensure these problems are kept to a
minimum.
Pathway committee: The Board is
striking a new committee that will
investigate options to expand and
enhance the community pathway
system. Planning committee and
LEAF members will be part of the
new committee; and other members
are welcome. If you are interested
in volunteering for this committee,
contact Mike Beamish at mbeamish@
attglobal.net.
Want to network with neighbours?
The Board is investigating the idea of
having a networking referral system
on the VRCA website to promote local
small businesses. The result could be
more hits to the website, and there
may be a potential to charge corporate
memberships for the service.
Traffic update: The Board has not
received any complaints regarding
community traffic problems this
month. Speed limit signs have been
put up in the community. The exit/
stop sign intersection Valley Ridge
shares with Crestmont continues to be
a major concern, and is under review
by the City.
Lynne Dulaney
Director of Community Relations and
Communications
JULY 2010
11
Sixth Annual Valley Ridge Car Show
After five years of great weather, the
Calgary climate threw a wrench into
the works of the sixth annual Valley
Ridge Car Show. Despite the initial
rain, a hardy and select group of enthusiasts drove to the Plazebo, showed
their cars and retired to Van Gogh’s to
rejuvenate their spirits.
Greg Williams, Canadian motor writer
and Calgary Herald columnist, was the
official judge of “Best of Show.” The
field included a new Audi R8 V10, a
BMW M5, a BMW M3 convertible,
Robert Miller’s very rare hand-built
replica of a Chrysler Atlantic, a 2010
Mustang Shelby GT500, a Porsche
Carrera, Steve Jeffrey’s Porsche 911
Targa, Lyndon Graham’s Factory 5
Cobra and a 2010 Dodge Challenger
custom.
From this select group, Bob Holman’s
1988 Open Road Racing Mustang
GT 5.0 Foxbody Fastback took top
honours as “Best of Show.” Williams
says, “Bob’s Mustang embodies the
spirit of motorsport. He took a rela-
tively common car, and with the help
of a few good friends, modified it for
a very specific form of motorsport. He
has about 200,000 km of seat time in
the car traveling to races and competing. A growing trophy shelf attests to
his skill and that of his wife Dorothy
and daughters McKinnis and Katlin,
who rotate in duties of navigator or
driver. The car, and Bob, and have an
interesting history combining driving,
mechanics, science and family which
makes the Mustang worthy of this top
award.”
Thanks to the Valley Breeze, the
Calgary Sun, the Calgary Herald and
Steve Jeffreys for publicity of the
event. Special thanks also to the Plazebo businesses that displayed posters
and shared their parking lot. Thanks to
Van Gogh’s Grill and Bar who hosted
the post show party. Special appreciation to everyone who displayed their
cars.
Jim Thornton
THE VALLEY BREEZE
Park n’ Play
2010
FREE Summer Drop-In
Programming for kids!
Stay n’ Play: 10:00 - 12:00 p.m.
(Three to five years of age)
NOTE: Adult /guardian must
accompany children in the Stay n’ Play
program
Park n’ Play: 10:00 - 3:30 p.m.
(Six to 12 years of age)
Join in the summer fun with games,
crafts and other amazing activities led
by City of Calgary staff.
Valley Ridge Community
August 9 - 13, 2010
Valley Ridge Drive and
Valley Meadows Close NW
Lawnchair
Theatre
Bring your lawnchair and enjoy great
snacks and live entertainment for the
entire family!
All events: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Thursday, July 8
Confederation Park - 10 St NW
(behind the flags)
Thursday, July 15
Bowness Park - 8900 48 Ave NW
(Site #1 - East End)
Thursday, July 22
Citadel - Citadel Way and Citadel
Bluff Close NW (at the Gazebo)
Thursday, July 29
Harvest Hills - Harvest Lake Dr. NE
Thursday, August 5
Hidden Valley - 10504 Hidden Valley
Dr NW (by outdoor rink)
JULY 2010
13
A Message From Your Alderman
City of Calgary launches new
online Summer Recreation
Guide and Interactive Map
The City of Calgary Recreation new
online interactive program guide
and map is now available. The new
map function offers a full view
of Calgary, showing where each
recreational facility is located, while
virtual tours of many facilities allow
a personal view of facility features
and other amenities. Visit calgary.
ca/recreation/programs to view the
online program guide and interactive
map. Registration also continues to
be available over the phone by calling
403-268-3800.
The City of Calgary Recreation
Department offers award-winning
quality programs at a variety of
convenient locations in every quadrant
of the city including golf, fitness, arts,
swimming, sailing, hiking, day camps
and more. For more information visit
calgary.ca/recreation.
Integrated Pest Management in
City Parks
As we start moving into the summer
growing season and an active
Integrated Pest Management Program,
the Parks Department has created
a web-based advisory program
for communities to notify them of
herbicide applications within the
Integrated Pest Management program.
This is in addition to the signage
protocol already used to provide
notification at the park sites before,
during and after any application.
As in the past, herbicide applications
cannot be made without site
inspections to verify that threshold
levels on weeds have not been
exceeded.
The web page will be updated on a
weekly basis by Thursday of each
week for work plans the following
week. Where we have rain delays, we
will endeavour to have those changes
on the web site as well.
If you have questions regarding this
article or any other municipal issue,
contact my office by telephone at
403-268-2430 or online at calgary.ca/
aldermen/ward1.
From the office of Dale Hodges
A Message From
Your MLA
Calgary Family Golf Centre
Thank you to all those who wrote
me regarding the Calgary Family
Golf Centre which is built on the
provincially owned Transportation
corridor. For several months now I
have been working closely with the
Golf Centre and Honourable Luke
Quellette, Minister of Transportation
to minimize the impact upon the Golf
Centre of the development of the Nose
Hill Drive/Stoney Trail interchange.
I will continue to work with the Golf
Centre toward the possible reopening
after the interchange is completed.
However, there may be a requirement
to provide a large storm management
facility to treat the additional storm
water discharge. Given the restricted
area available near the interchange for
this storm water facility, it may need to
be located on the provincially owned
land currently being used by the Golf
Centre.
Alberta Health Act
Consultation on new Alberta health
legislation is underway and Albertans
are urged to provide their ideas on
recommendations for the forthcoming
Alberta Health Act. Albertans are
invited to visit yourhealthact.alberta.ca
throughout the spring and summer for
updated information on the consultation
process and to provide input.
From the office of Alana DeLong
THE VALLEY BREEZE
JULY 2010
VALLEY RIDGE NOTICE BOARD
BABYSITTER LIST: Debbie Burke has a list of eligible babysitters in the neighbourhood. New babysitters, please
call Debbie to add your name to the list as many of our senior babysitters are retiring. Parents, please feel free to
contact Debbie if you need a babysitter. Debbie can be reached at 403-286-5286 or [email protected].
ODD JOBS LIST: Due to the overwhelming popularity of the Babysitter List, the VRCA now keeps a list for
Miscellaneous/Odd Jobs such as snow shovelling, dog walking, pet sitting, fence painting, etc. If you are interested
in being added to the list, or finding someone who can help you with your odd jobs, please contact Debbie Burke at
403-286-5286 or [email protected]. Debbie will continue to screen people asking for the list to ensure they are Valley
Ridge or Crestmont residents.
Valley Ridge Motorheads
A casual monthly get together of automobile enthusiasts.
7:30 pm, Tuesday, July 13 at Van Gogh’s Grill & Bar
For more information contact Jim Thornton at 403-287-9818 or [email protected]
15
THE VALLEY BREEZE
JULY 2010
Ads are $10 per month. There is a 40 word
maximum per ad. Payment is required in advance in
the form of cheque payable to “VRCA”. PLEASE
drop off or mail in care of the Valley Breeze Assistant
Editor, 117 Valley Creek Place NW, T3B 5V1. All proceeds will go to the Valley Ridge Facilities
Fund. Please contact Charlene Randles at 403-669-4154 or [email protected] for more information.
Deadline is the 1st of the previous month.
LOOKING FOR A RELIABLE PAINTER? If
you are looking for a reliable painter to do quality
work at a competitive price give us a call for a free
estimate. We do all types of painting. No upfront
fees, BBB, Liability Insurance, WCB. Call Mark
at Harding’s Painting 403-254-4726 or cell 403708-0431 or email [email protected].
SALAD IS NO LONGER JUST A SIDE DISH
WITH THE PAMPERED CHEF! Earn up to
60% off some of our best salad essentials when
you host your July show! Guests can receive 2 of
our famous Rub Seasonings - FREE! Contact
Patty Stinson at www.pamperedchef.biz/
pattyspage for more info.
PHOTOGRAPHER - for all your weddings,
engagements, anniversaries and other special
events. Valley Ridge resident. Husband and wife
team work together to make your day special.
View sample photos at http://photoshare.shaw.ca/
gallery/skaugdm/. Email Daryl or Maria at
[email protected] or call
403-247-3239.
WINDOW CLEANING by Squeegee Brothers
- prompt, reliable and affordable.Satisfaction
guaranteed. References available. Call Steeve
for information and pricing at 403-383-4309 or
[email protected].
PLUMBING WORK and city certified back
flow device inspections for your in-slab heating.
Need a shower repaired or toilet replaced? Give
me a call for advice and reasonable rates. Local
Valley Ridge Business. Call Bill at 403-288-7710.
LEARN HOW TO PLAY IN A BAND: Piano,
Drum and Guitar Summer Day Camps. Certified teachers here in Valley Ridge with years
experience and satisfied students. Reasonable
prices. Call Irene at 403-510-3474 or email
[email protected].
SCENTSY WICKLESS CANDLES. Unique
warmers us a light bulb to warm one of the many
different scents. BUY/HOST/JOIN. Ask me about
a basket party. Go to www.nancyscandle.com,
email [email protected] or call 403-7103343.
SUSAN’S CLEANING SERVICES Specializing in total home de-cluttering, spring
cleaning, personal organizing and house staging
for those thinking of selling their homes. Regular
cleaning services available Weekly, Bi-weekly or
Monthly. Call 403-880-3555.
LONDONDERRY PAINTING and
DECORATING - Interior, exterior painting and
wallpaper application and removal. In business
since 1980. Call Howard at 403-226-3456 for a
FREE estimate.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR QUALITY
CHILDCARE? Your child deserves it! I offer
healthy homemade lunches, clean and safe smokefree home and fun activities. Before and after
school available. I will pick up kids from bus stop.
Contact Maryam at 403-202-3664 or e_safarz@
yahoo.com.
GOLF LESSONS from C.P.G.A. TEACHING
PROFESSIONAL with 16 years experience and
more than 12,000 lessons taught. Fun, informative
and effective. Private, semi-private, groups
and clinics. Reasonable rates. SET UP YOUR
LESSON TODAY. Dave Nikirk at 403-607-6216
or email [email protected] for info.
LAWN AND YARD SERVICES - Spring
clean-up $140 power raking, hand-raking, mower
vacuum and core aerating. Fertilizing, weekly
lawn cutting and edge trimming available.
References. Free estimates. Call 403-710-3662 or
[email protected].
EXCELLENT CLEANING MAID
SERVICES. Detailed house cleaning; 10 years
experience. Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. Carpet
cleaning, move in and move out. 100% satisfaction
guaranteed. Licenced, insured and bonded. Call
Toni: 403-470-6548.
HOST A GOLD PARTY with Exclusively Gold.
A GOLD PARTY is a fun, safe and easy way to
sell unwanted gold jewellery. We’re a Calgary
owned company that will professionally evaluate
your gold and we pay on the spot. Visit us at:
www.exclusivelygold.ca or call 403-815-7674.
HOST A LIA SOPHIA JEWELLERY PARTY
WITH FRIENDS! Want to receive earrings
and bracelets at 1/2 price? How about high
quality jewellry with a lifetime replacement
guarantee for $16.50? Ask me how. Contact
Nancy at www.liasophia.ca/perfectjewels or
[email protected].
TURN BACK TIME WITH CLEAR
SMOOTH RADIANT SKIN! The TimeWise®
system delivers age-fighting benefits you can see
and feel. To start looking younger now call me to
try the TimeWise® products free! Jennifer Natras
- Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant at
www.marykay.ca/jnatras or phone 403-266-4727.
ORDER GOLF’S BEST BRANDS with
CUSTOM LOGO/SLOGAN. Callaway, Nike,
Calvin Klein and more. Customized balls, shirts,
outerwear and caps for golf functions and other
events. LET ME BRING THE PRO SHOP TO
YOU. Dave Kikirk, C.P.G.A. Professional 403607-6216 or [email protected].
17
DE-CLUTTER, ORGANIZE AND UPDATE
THE LOOK OF YOUR HOME WITH
ADVICE FROM A PROFESSIONAL
STAGER. Get expert advice and help with
furniture placement, art work, decorating, paint
colors, de-cluttering and organization. Reasonable
rates. Call Charlene at 403-669-4154 or email
[email protected].
NANNY SHARING - Looking for a family
to share our nanny with (full-time) starting
September. Our son is 3 and we would like
other child 3 to 5 years of age. If you would like
to share the benefits of a nanny email nika@
cleverseed.com.
FIVE DRAWER LATERAL FILING
CABINET - Excellent condition. Includes
approximately 250 legal size hanging files. $200
firm. Contact Pam Harris at 403-202-9088.
MASSAGE AWAY YOUR STRESS AND
PAIN! Valley Ridge MTAA therapist with 7
years experience and 2200 hours of schooling.
Specializing in Deep Tissue Massage. Phone
Christa at 401-471-9363 to book your free
assessment.
VALLEY RIDGE DAYCARE - Safe, clean and
happy, family-like setting with mixed age groups
where children can learn and grow physically,
emotionally, intellectually and socially. Curiosity,
creativity, independence and confidence is
encouraged so children develop a positive selfimage. Call 403-399-8104 or [email protected].
Fourth Annual
Crestmont
Christmas Fair
The fourth annual Crestmont
Christmas Fair is booked for Saturday,
November 13 and Sunday November
14, both days from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
at the Crestmont Community Hall.
Home-based businesses and crafters/
artisans are welcome. Vendors who are
residents of Valley Ridge or Crestmont
are being offered a 10 percent discount
on the table fee. The Fair is sponsored
in part by Peak Business Elements,
Discovery Toys and State Farm
Insurance, and is organized by Valley
Ridge and Crestmont residents. For
the first time, we are accepting credit
cards as a payment option. For more
information, interested vendors should
visit www.crestmontchristmasfair.ca
or call Suzanne at 403-836-5631.
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
1
REMINDER:
• If you lose your pet visit Calgary.ca/animalservices to see if your dog or cat
is in the shelter.
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
2
3
9
10
CANADA
DAY
• Blue bin recycling pickup on garbage days.
• Pay your Valley Ridge Community membership fees
4
5
6
7
8
J
U
L
Y
Calgary Stampede
Parade
Calgary Stampede
July 9-18
11
12
19
20
15
16
17
23
24
Lawnchair
Theatre
Van Gogh’s
Grill and Bar
7:30 p.m.
8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
www.woodshomes.ca
Bowness Picnic
14
Valley Ridge
Motor Heads
Wood’s Homes
Stampede Breakfast
18
13
Bowness Park
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Free
21
22
Lougheed House
Ride Through Time
1 – 6 p.m.
at 9333 Scenic
Bow Road NW
across from
Bowness Park
25
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
www.lougheedhouse.com
26
27
Latin Festival
Olympic Plaza
12 noon Daily
www.fiestaval.ca
Free
28
29
30
31
VRCA Board
Meeting
The Lodge
7:00 p.m.
2010
Choosing What is Important
A Mother’s Guide to Preschools
When my daughter was two, I started
seriously thinking about preschools. I
wasn’t sure of which preschool would
be the best choice for my daughter. I
had heard rumours of preschools with
year-long waiting lists and preschools
with lineups for registration. Then
I would hear about all the choices:
Montessori, the art-centered schools,
the academic-focused schools, etc. My
head was in a whirlwind and I was
also in a panic because I thought that
age two might have been too late to
make a decision about this stage in my
daughter’s life!
I finally decided to visit a number of
preschools that were on Calgary’s
Child’s preschool list to get a better
understanding of the programs offered,
the environment and the teaching
styles. I visited quite a few schools,
award winners and all.
Then I visited a fantastic preschool.
I was greeted with a genuinely warm
smile and a welcoming attitude. I
was encouraged to look around and
I got a tour of the class and all it had
to offer. I loved what I saw: bright
colors, a clean environment, children’s
artwork on the walls, a big variety of
hands-on centres, children engaged in
interactive play and independent play.
Above all, I saw smiles on the faces of
the children and the adults supporting
their learning. I felt welcome and safe
and I knew right then and there that
this was the place for my daughter.
My daughter went to the three-year
old class and continued on into the
four-year old class. I am a teacher
myself and I can’t say enough about
the program offered to our children
by the two amazing teachers at this
preschool. This wonderful place is
called University Heights Nursery
School and it is located within Terrace
Road Elementary, 2103 46th Street
NW. If you are wondering where
to send your child, go and visit the
schools you are thinking about. Your
feeling will be your best guide. As a
parent, your instincts are always right!
For more information about University
Heights Nursery School, phone
403-286-7770 or email at info@
uhnurseryschool.canadianwebs.com or
visit the website at: calgarypreschool.
com.
Tina Liaridis