March 2007 - Ramsay Community Association

www.ramsaycommunity.ab.ca 


MAR 2007 

Circulation 1200 

February 2007 Circulation 1200 

When winds are soft, 

And the days are warm and clear, 

Just like a gentle lamb, 

Then Spring is here. 

–Author Unknown 

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION 

Awareness Month 

RAMSAY CROSSING 

ELBOW RIVER 

Water Initiative 

Next General Meeting 

Tue Mar 6th Lower Hall 7 pm 

DAWN FERGUSON 

Hooked on Ball 

R a m s ay C o m m u n i t y A s s o c i at i o n • 11 3 6 – 8 t h S t r e e t S E , C a l g a r y, A B T 2 G 2 Z 7 • 2 6 6 - 4 3 2 9

Ramsay Community Association & Hall 

Board of Directors & Community Chairs 2006-7 

1136 - 8th St SE T2G 2Z7• T: 403.266.4329 • F: 403.265.4858 

Position Name Contact Info 

President Judy 

Hellevang 

697-3068 

jhellevang@hotmail.com 

Past President Vince Bodnar 266-4329 vincentbodnar@ 

hotmail.com 

Vice President Catherine cartmill@telus.net 

– Civic Affairs Cartmill 

Vice President 

– Membership 

Shelly Reid 640-7071 

shelly_reid@cpr.ca 

Treasurer Jennifer 

Hapgood 

217-6750 

jennifer.hapgood@shaw.ca 

Secretary Darren 

Zacher 

265-4898 

rca_secretary@yahoo.ca 

Member Kelly Kask 399-2903 

kelly.tdlc@shaw.ca 

Member Quinton 

Rafuse 

245-9075 

quinton.rafuse@gmail.com 

Member Iain 

Chynoweth 

259-3753 

iainc@shaw.ca 

Member Allan Baker 237-7927 

bakerpals@shaw.ca 

Member Velma velma.toporowski@shaw.ca 

Toporowski 

Traffic Taras 

Semeniuk 

264-1972 

taras@samaceng.com 

Hall Mgr. Karen Lowry 265-4898 (hall) 

508-5070 (home) 

kelly.j@shaw.ca 

Summer and 

Winter Sports 

Karen Lowry 

& Jennifer 

265-4898 

kelly.j@shaw.ca 

Hapgood 

Special Events Darlene 269-6694 or 617-9591 

Traviss 

Casino Pat Baker 237-7927 

bakerpals@shaw.ca 

Beautification Brenda Japp 264-7137 

brenda.japp@gov.ab.ca 

Events Liaison Michael 

Benoit 

291-0865 

mikeb47@nucleus.com 

Ramsay School Gordon 269-6694 

Liaison Murray gmurray@nucleus.com 

WebMaster Yukiko yukikomonks@shaw.ca 

Monks 

Website 


Newsletter 

Editor 

Beth Carter 269-4199 

bethcarter@shaw.ca 

Newsletter 

Layout 

Fred Holliss 815-3733 

fred@holliss.ca 

Complaints about Lilydale smells: 

City 311 • AB Environ’t 1800-222-6514 • CHR 943-8060 

Police Contacts • Emergency: 911 

If you see crimes in the area, please contact the police by 

phone at 266-1234 or e-mail. Community liaison officer: 

Const. Blaine Ellerby, Badge #3799 

403-268-8601 

Newsletter Contributions 

Any community member is welcome to contribute to this newsletter. 

The deadline for submissions for each upcoming month’s 

issue is the 20 th of the preceding month. Please email your 

contributions, comments, and articles to: news@ramsaycommunity.ab.ca 

or drop it off: Ramsay Community Hall, 

1136 8 St SE 

DISCLAimer: Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily 

those of the Ramsay Community Association. 

President’s Message 

Judy Hellevang 

The General Meeting in 

February did not achieve 

quorum but there was a 

good attendance at the open house, held 

by the City of Calgary regarding the 25 

Avenue & Blackfoot Trail Connector. 

Also, the meeting in January did not 

meet quorum requirements. This is a 

continuous problem. Our Constitution 

calls for only nine General Meetings per 

year, so a decision was made to not hold 

January meetings in the future. There 

will be no General Meetings in January, 

July or August. 

The Board is thinking about succession 

planning and we are looking for a person 

to serve as Treasurer when Jennifer 

Hapgood completes her term this year. 

Darlene Traviss is planning for Ramsay 

Day 2007. She commented that it is a 

lot of work for a handful of people and 

is requesting increased assistance with 

this year’s event. If you can help, please 

give me a call at 697-3068. 

PROCLAMATION 

Mayor Dave Bronconnier 

On Behalf of the City Council and the Citizens of Calgary, I hereby proclaim the month 

of March 2007 as 

Community Association Membership Awareness Month 

Community Associations are an important part of life in Calgary. They provide a variety of 

recreational and educational programs for Calgarians and contribute significantly to the quality 

of life of our community. These organizations are coordinated entirely by volunteers. 

Ramsay 

Community 

BLOCK WATCH 

For More 

Information 

Contact 

265-4898 

Ramsay 

Block 

Watch 

@hotmail 

.com 

COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP 

Contact Shelly Reid at 640-7071 

You are the community – Your voice is important! 

Annual Membership allows you to: Participate in Community Sports • 

Voice your concerns to the Civic Government • Beautify our Community 

$10 Family • $8 Single • $6 Senior, Disabled, Associate 

Please cut out this form and mail with your cheque or money order to: 

Ramsay Community Association, 1136 – 8th Street SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 2Z7 

Ramsay Community Membership Form 

Family Name(s): _________________________________________________________ 

Your Name: __________________________Spouse’s Name:____________________ 

Address: _______________________________________________________________ 

Postal Code: __________________________ Telephone: ________________________ 

Email: _________________________________________________________________ 

Children: 

1. _______________________________________ Age: _________ 

2. _______________________________________ Age: _________ 

3. _______________________________________ Age: _________ 

Advertise With Us! 

Ramsay News is the perfect way to communicate with your 

neighbours! The Ramsay News is a non-profit newsletter offered 

free of charge to the community each month. With a circulation of 

1200, the Ramsay News is a fun and affordable way to advertise 

your business. 

Submission deadline is the 20 th of the month. 

• Email us at news@ramsaycommunity.ab.ca or 

• Phone Beth at 269-4199 

I would like to become involved with: 

___ Board of Directors ___ History ___ Beautification ___ Civic Affairs 

___ Membership ___ Casino ___ Sports ___ Technology 

___ Newsletter ___ Safety ___ Traffic ___ As required 

Ad size 1 mo. 5 mo. 10 mo. 

business card $45 $210 $400 

¼ page $75 $350 $650 

½ page $100 $475 $900 

Full page $180 $875 $1600 

Flyer inserts $80 

* special rates may apply for designated pages 

Ramsay News page

Scout News 

Rick Ryan 

Winter has visited us and the Scouts have made good use of 

the snow. Our winter camping trip went well at Lost Lake 

camp up by Water Valley. We were able to chop down a monster 

tree or two. If you want to keep warm here you have to 

cut your own wood. On our first night the girls got the cozy 

cabin and the boys ended up with the drafty one. The leaders 

got to sleep on the floor where it was downright chilly. To 

the senior scouts credit they slept in tents on the lake the next 

night and came in the morning suffering no ill effects. The 

highlight of the camp was cooking chickens over an open fire. 

We all learned the meaning of patience. In the end the birds 

were cooked and consumed in quick fashion and everyone had 

nothing but good to say about the feast. 

The Scouts have been out skiing in Kananaskis and will be 

out a couple of more times before their trip the end of March 

into a cabin where they have to ski in 13 km. The Beavers 

on the other hand have got it down pat. They plan a ski trip 

to Banff with side trips to the hot springs and, oh yes, the 

CHOCOLATE SHOP. 

The event of the month was the cardboard boat races. This 

is no bathtub rubber- duckey affair. These guys build a big 

cardboard boat they can actually float a kid in and when they 

are done they go to Inglewood Pool. We had an hour to test 

our craft. We invited the guides and they showed up in full 

force. Their craft didn’t quite make it, but the foxy females 

boarded the scouts boat when they didn’t show up and they 

sailed up and down the pool more than anyone else to grab 

the cup. The Beavers didn’t win but there should be a trophy 

for the most kids in a boat. At the end of the night little 

Robert Ross charged into the dressing room and announced he 

had had the best time of his life. Coming from someone who 

has been around 5 whole years that is quite a compliment! 

For info on our group call Rick Ryan 278-2547 

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Civic Affairs 

Catherine Cartmill 

2006-4191 702 Burns Ave single family 

dwelling 

The committee found this proposal to be 

appropriate in scale to the surrounding area, concerns were 

raised regarding privacy issues and adherence to Infill Housing 

Guidelines. We hope the concerns will be addressed in the 

approved plans. 

2006-3426 805 21 Ave single family dwelling 

The committee found this proposal to be out of scale with surrounding 

homes and raised concerns regarding the quality of 

the proposal. 

a meeting, via e-mail or at the corner store. I appreciated the 

comments in the Herald Letters section on Jan 17th. I would 

personally encourage you, the reader, to take advantage of 

upcoming opportunities for feedback. 

Civic Affairs meetings are usually held on Thursdays, 7PM at 

the community hall on an as-needed basis. We welcome new 

members and are always happy to review development proposals 

prior to plans being submitted to the City. Contact me 

regarding any of the above proposals or new proposals. Copies 

of any plans can be viewed by appointment at the community 

hall. Please call 263-0267 for an appointment. 

2006-4335 1111 8 St relaxation to existing dwelling 

addition 

No concerns raised by neighbours regarding existing structure. 

2007-0057 740 24 Ave semi-detached dwelling (side by 

side duplex) 

The committee found this proposal to be out of scale with surrounding 

homes and raised concerns regarding loss of trees and 

permeable ground surface. As the existing dwelling is 2 family, 

the proposal provides no net increase in dwelling units. 

Lilydale Action Committee 

The committee is pleased to see an attempt made by the facility 

to enclose the “gut bucket” operations. All concerns regarding 

Lilydale operations (smells, noise, debris) can be reported 

to the CHR automated system at 943-8060. The community 

association will be assigning a contact person to report the 

noxious odours on Sundays to an inspector who can respond 

on the weekend. For noise issues and chicken parts found in 

the community call 311. Odours from the facility should continue 

to be reported to Alberta Environment 1-800-222-6514. 

Ramsay Crossing Land Use Amendment 

In addition to reviewing development permits and working 

with other committees, Civic Affairs is designated to review 

and respond to external changes that affect quality of life 

within Ramsay. CA has a responsibility to solicit the opinions 

of residents regarding these changes. I attended the Open 

House presented by Torode Development to gather feedback 

from residents. Affected neighbours will be pleased to know 

that CA committee members have already raised concerns 

regarding shadowing, traffic circulation and affordability. 

Notwithstanding these concerns, most of those I spoke to 

identified opportunities for positive change. 

Media reporting of the event may have suggested that the 

proposal has the endorsement of the Ramsay Community 

Association. In fact, CA along with City of Calgary planners, 

await more information about the plan and broader community 

input before commenting on the upcoming Change of 

Land Use. Your comments are always appreciated whether at 

IS YOUR SPACE TOO 

SMALL? 

Come and check out Ramsay’s newly renovated 

community hall. 

We have extremely reasonable prices, and it is 

a great place to hold birthday parties, weddings, 

anniversaries, or meetings. 

For information and prices, call Karen at 

265-4898. 

Muffler & Brake 

1803 - 11th Street SE 

M - F 8 AM - 5 PM 215-0110 

www.ericscarline.com 

Ramsay or Rome? 

Scott Mushens’ luscious garden 

is the result of a wonderful 

creative eye and a lot of hard 

work. Congratulations! 


Ramsay School 

Barb James, Principal 

I hope you are all managing to keep warm. We 

have had more than a couple of “indoor recess” 

days. That’s when the wind-chill factor is –18C 

or colder. I am a native Calgarian and have experienced many 

prairie winters! Bundle up! 

At the beginning of February everyone was very excited by the 

arrival of 20 brand new imac computers to the school! This 

is thanks to the generosity of the volunteers who worked the 

casino to raise money for the school. Staff members have developed 

a plan to address instruction of the curriculum specific to 

technology. “In this media-drenched era of blogs and podcasts, 

Google searches and instant messages, young people need to 

acquire a new set of literacy skills that allows them to locate 

information, sort through it quickly and, most important, 

determine which sources are reliable and which ones aren’t.” 

(TIME magazine, Dec. 18, 2006, page 36) 

Any number of old-school assignments such as memorizing 

the periodic table of the elements now seems unnecessary. 

That kind of information is poorly retained unless you use it 

often and is now available at a keystroke. It is important that 

children understand that the periodic table shows the atomic 

structure and properties of the elements but do they need 

to memorize the table? Without mastering the fundamental 

building blocks of math, science, reading, writing or social 

studies, more complex concepts will be difficult if not impossible. 

Creating a balance between “core knowledge” and critical 

thinking, making connections between ideas and knowing how 

to keep on learning, will be key to guiding our students to be 

life long learners. 

March brings report cards and Parent-Teacher conferences and 

Spring Break! The last day of classes for students is Thursday, 

March 29 and classes resume Tuesday, April 10. Have a safe 

and enjoyable Spring Break! 

New After School Program Found! 

Hilary Argento 

The Ramsay Parent Council met with parents affected by the 

YMCA Out of School Care Program and a representative of 

the Calgary Catholic Immigration Group. They maintain 

Out of School Care programs in three elementary schools in 

Calgary and are able to add us to their community. The transition 

is expected to be easy for the children. Keep an eye out for 

a mailer coming home in your child’s backpack. 

Time To Renovate? 

From Start To Finishing 

is a Ramsay based renovation company. 

Services Including: 

Plumbing, Carpentry, Electrical, Roofing, Fences, Decks and Bobcat services. 

We also specialize in kitchen and bathroom renovations. 

For a free estimate call Neil at 695 5777 

From Start To Finishing is a reliable and professional 

company so 

Give us a call !!! 


Rink Update 

David Graham 

The weather has been great for shinny and the 

main rink and ball diamond ice continue to be 

very busy. There has been more snow than usual 

and our snowblower has been put to good use 

keeping the ice clean. 

The Canteen has been operational every Sunday from 1-4 

PM with various concession items for sale including hot choclate, 

chili, hot dogs, home made soup, etc. Thanks to Judy 

our President and Lexie for looking after the canteen and 

arranging to have great food and refreshments available. 

The Ramsay – Inglewood hockey showdown was held 

Sunday Feb 18 th from 1-4PM at the Inglewood rink (see 

photos). You’ll be happy to hear your very own Ramsay adult 

team won the game 3-2 and was awarded a trophy (now in the 

shack for display). The youth team had a good game and a lot 

of fun going to a tie and then a shoot out with Inglewood prevailing 

3-2. We have invited Inglewood to play at our rink next 

year so stay tuned. Thanks to Ramsay’s Shannon Patterson and 

Angela Lovegrove from Inglewood for helping to organize this 

event. See you at the rink! 

Someone Wins, Someone Loses... 

Some great photos from last weekend’s hockey battle with 

Inglewood. Adults defeated Inglewood 3-2 and the kids lost 

3-2 in a shoot out. We have a trophy for the victory which will 

be put in the shack. Great fun was had by all! 

Day Activity Time 

Monday Community Youth skating and shinny 3-5 PM 

Tuesday Community Youth skating and shinny 3-5 PM 

Wednesday Community Youth skating and shinny 3-5 PM 

Community hockey 

8-10 PM 

Thursday Community Youth skating and shinny 3-5 PM 

Friday Community Youth skating and shinny 3-5 PM 

Saturday Community skating 1-4 PM 

Sunday Community skating 1-4 PM 

Community hockey 

8-10 PM 


MARCH 2007 

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 

25 26 27 28 1 

First Thursday 

2 3 

4 5 6 RCA General Meeting 

7 p.m. 

7 8 

International Women’s 

Day 

9 10 

Volunteer Dinner 

11 

Daylight Saving 

Time 

12 13 

Spring Fling Meeting 

18 19 20 

RCA Board Meeting 7 

p.m. 

14 

Safety Meeting 

21 

Spring Equinox 

15 Ramsay School 

Council 

16 17 

St. Patrick’s Day 

22 23 24 

Travel All City – Loose 

Moose 

25 26 27 28 29 

Spring Break begins 

30 31 

Water Watch Initiative 

Judy Hellevang 

An application has been approved to the Alberta Stewardship 

Network, for funding to start a Water Watch Initiative for the 

Lower Elbow River. After drinking water has been extracted 

for use by the City the care of the river drops drastically from 

the Dam to the confluence with the Bow. 85 storm sewers 

dump untreated water into the river degrading the water quality, 

stabilization, land and aquatic wildlife habitat, and the 

biodiversity. A golf course and the Calgary Exhibition and 

Stampede Barns line its banks, but the river is also seen as one 

of the finest assets in the Inner City and contributes drinking 

water to communities downstream from Calgary. Water Watch 

will work to elevate the Lower Elbow’s status and give it the 

care it deserves. Representatives, from communities along 

its banks, are being sought to test for fecal contamination. A 

commitment of two to three hours per month is required. No 

experience is required and training will be provided. Testing 

will take place between April and September. A meeting will be 

held in March but the date has not yet determined. If you are 

interested in this opportunity please call me at 697-3068 and I 

will confirm the meeting date in March. 


C ommunity T idbits C OMMUNITY 

Spring Fling 

Ramsay’s 2nd Annual Spring Fling and Silent Auction will 

take place on May 12, 2007. Our first event was a great success 

and everyone had a wonderful time. We are looking for 

volunteers, talent (musicians, dancers, skits, etc) and donations 

towards the next event, which will raise funds for the Ramsay 

Community Association. Please call Jennifer @ 217-6750 or 

Karen @ 508-5070. 

Rink Re-development Project 

The Rink Committee is tasked with re-vitalizing the rink and 

shack to a new and better facility. If you would like to get 

involved contact Dave Graham at 264-9233 for information 

on the next meeting. 

Inglewood Summer Day Camps 

Due to the success of last year’s summer camps, parents can 

look forward to more activities, more weeks and more fun for 

children throughout the summer! We are also looking for people 

interesting in joining our planning committee. For more 

information, contact Ellen at 265-0470 or ellenpolegato@ 

hotmail.com 

Alberta Printmakers 

2010F 11 Ave. S.E. 

We are dedicated to promoting and producing fine-arts prints. 

Check out our Artist Proof Gallery exhibits. We have many 

exciting winter classes available, along with studio rental 

opportunities. For details, e-mail alberta.printmakers@yahoo. 

ca or call 287-1056. 

Ramsay Seniors 

The Ramsay Welcome Centre offers a range of enjoyable activities 

through the week. Come down to play pool on Mondays, 

Wednesdays and Fridays. Whist is played on Tuesdays. A potluck 

supper is held on the 3rd Thursday of each month. For 

more information, call Roy Braybrook at 262-5650. 

2007 EcoLiving Fundraiser 

March 10 – 7 pm - midnight, Parkdale Community Centre 

Cost: $20 in advance ($30 at door) 

EcoLiving is a non profit organization that bring various 

environmental events to Calgary to help people live a more 

sustainable lifestyle. Join us for an evening of socializing and 

entertainment, including appetizers and a cash bar. Contact 

info@ecolivingfair.ca. 

Calgary Int’l Children’s Festival 

North America’s 3rd largest Children’s Festival will be presented 

from May 22-26, 2007 at the EPCOR CENTRE for the 

Performing Arts and on Olympic Plaza. Experience the very 

best in live theatre, music, dance, and puppetry from around 

the world. Check our complete listing at www.calgarychildfest. 

org. Tickets available after April 2 – call 299-8888 or www. 

ticketmaster.ca. 

C ommunity 

T idbits 

Little League 

Baseball Registration IS ON NOW! 

Kids programs from aged 5-18. 

On line Registration, “in person” registration dates, maps and 

more information is available on our website at www.crmll. 

com. 

Elbow Valley Soccer 

Registration for the outdoor soccer season has begun and will 

run until March 14th. We are looking forward to another fun 

season, with strong, competitive teams. 

Please visit our website http://www.elbowvalleysoccer.com to 

register! 

Safety Meeting 

Are you concerned about safety in our community. Our next 

committee meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 14 at 

7pm in the Community Hall. Call Quinton at 245-9075 for 

more information. 

Ramsay Day 2007 

Sunday, June 17, 2007 on top of the hill 

Flea Market, Classic Cars, Fun and Games for the entire family! 

Volunteers are needed to help with planning – call Darlene 

at 617-9591. 

Tri-Area Community Playgroup 

Thursday mornings 10 am – noon 

Lantern Church basement – 1401 – 10th Ave SE 

Parent and Tot group for children ages 0-5. Questions? Call 

Corrin at 286-7162. 

CLASSIFIEDS 

Ramsay Bumper Stickers – are still 

available. Contact Ev at 708-8012. 

Eldercare Offered - Retired nurse in 

Ramsay offering eldercare, household 

assistance, and errands. Very experienced 

and caring. References available. Call Fran 

@ 835-4664. 

Kindergarten registration - has begun 

for the full-day program at Ramsay School 

for 2007-2008. Drop by or call the school at 

777-6790. 

Snow Removal – Graig Kasghl at Tru- 

Green Lawn Care Ltd. Reasonable fees. Call 

473-2882. 


Traffic Committee 

Taras Semeniuk 

Bus Re-routing - the temporary closure of 19 th 

Avenue SE in February and the re-routing of the 

#24 bus onto 20 th Avenue drew concern from a 

few residents regarding the speed of the buses. A 

call was made to Calgary Transit and the problem was alleviated. 

25 th Avenue Connector - The City and their consultant, 

Morrison Herschfield, hosted an Open House at the hall on 

February 6 th to present information on the proposed connector 

between Blackfoot and Macleod Trails. The event was 

well attended by Ramsay residents and it was encouraging 

to hear/see the opinions of the many residents who chose to 

participate. The Traffic Committee will be meeting with The 

City and their consultant to obtain feedback on the Open 

House and review any further developments. More to follow. 

Traffic Calming – recent concern from a vision-impaired 

Ramsay resident was that slope of the newly installed curb 

cuts may not be following City standards. At issue, was that 

the smooth transition does not provide adequate delineation 

between the element and the roadway. This concern was 

passed on to The City and we will be following up. 

That’s about it for this month. Please contact the Traffic 

Committee if you have any traffic-related comments, concerns 

or would like to become involved in the committee. 

february really is a short month, isn’t it? 

but i managed to visit my dear ol’ mom 

& found out my gran is turning 95 

& watched my one car quietly rust 

& had some hooligan hit my other car 

& discovered better living through chemistry 

& bought some shiny new shirts 

& got my outdoor slippers shon up 

&, well, pretty much worked every day 

& foung my bills just get larger every time 

& realised i really, really need a vacation 

but it’s just not in the cards right now 

no matter how much i wanna see cuba 

before el presidente takes forced retirement 

howzaboutchoo? 

ramsay newsletter for march 

815-3733 

fred@holliss.ca 

web design print 

i dun hoid da boids choipin’ - mus be spring! 

Ramsay News page 11

Denis A. Herard, M.L.A. 

MLA Calgary Egmont 

Calgary Egmont Constituency 

#10, 8318 Fairmount Dr. S.E. T2H 0Y8 

640-1363, 640-2970 (f) 

Edmonton - toll free - 310-0000 and key in 780-427-5777 

calgary.egmont @assembly.ab.ca 

Low Participation in Free Education Gift 

In 2004, I introduced the Alberta Centennial Education 

Saving Plan Act which provides every Alberta child born or 

adopted in Alberta since January 1 st 2005 with an $800 gift 

towards their post-secondary education. So far only about 37% 

of eligible parents have taken advantage of this gift. 

During my recent tenure as Minister of Advanced Education, 

we changed the rules to make even more children eligible for 

the gift that keeps on giving and giving. 

9-12 Year Olds: Come join us as we travel all around the 

City of Calgary participating in a variety of 

amazing Saturday activities! 

February 24: Telus World of Science 

March 24: Loose Moose Theatre Sports 

April 28: Outdoor Adventure 

May 26: Calgary Zoo 

September 22: Art Gallery of Calgary 

October 27: Heritage Park 

November 24: Super Sports Day 

This is a SATURDAY AFTERNOON program and a 

registration deadline is in effect. For more information, or for 

bus pick up and drop off locations in your area 

please call 3-1-1! 

Alberta students aged eight, 11 and 14 are eligible to receive 

a $100 grant from the Alberta government in their Registered 

Education Savings Plan (RESP) as of January 1, 2007. To 

qualify, families must put at least $100 into a student’s RESP 

within one year prior to applying for the Alberta Centennial 

Education Savings Plan grant with an RESP provider. The 

$100 RESP grant is retroactive to 2005 and there is a new sixyear 

window to apply for the grant. 

The Alberta Centennial Education Savings Plan was launched 

by the Alberta government in 2005. In addition to the $100 

grant, there is a one-time $500 grant available to new Alberta 

parents with children born or adopted in 2005 or after. 

Savings programs like RESPs build an expectation in parents 

and their children for pursuing post-secondary studies. 

Research shows that 80 per cent of children with RESPs go on 

to a post-secondary education. 

Alberta leads the nation in RESP accounts but I have never 

understood why the participation rate remains so low. Perhaps 

we need to make it automatic instead of relying on busy parents 

to apply for the grant. 

Grant applications are only available from some RESP providers. 

A complete list is available online at www.advancededucation.gov.ab.ca/aces/providers.asp, 

or by calling toll free at 

1-866-515-2237. 

Please contact my office at 640-1363 or calgary.egmont@ 

assembly.ab.ca with any comments or concerns. 

flow massage therapy 

Reduce stress and attain a healt hier, 

more en ergiz ed way of life. 

Flow offers therapeutic and relaxation 

massage using organic products. Mention 

this ad for 50% off your first 60-minute 

massage. 

Call Tamara Ewashen at 710-9126. 


Beautification 

Brenda Japp 

The Beautification Committee continues to 

work with the City and the Traffic Committee 

to develop streetscape enhancements for the 

Traffic Calming elements that were built in the 

fall. The proposal prepared by Marc Boutin combined plantings, 

decorative concrete, sandstone boulders and lighting. 

The city only allocates a portion of the overall traffic calming 

project funds towards beautification, so our first priority is 

xeriscape greenery. Xeriscaping refers to landscaping in ways 

that does not require supplemental irrigation. We hope to have 

lots of indigenous, drought resistant trees and greenery planted 

in the early summer. The Beautification Committee is dedicated 

to enhancing our neighbourhood and building community 

pride. Through the beautification of the Traffic Calming, 

we can create visual barriers which will help to slow traffic. 

Increased greenery also encourages people to be on the streets, 

making Ramsay a more beautiful, comfortable and walkable 

community. There is the added benefit of improving safety and 

security in our neighbourhood. 

Are you interested in making Ramsay a more beautiful place to 

live? We are always looking for new members – give me a call 

at 264-7137. 

March at the Central Library 

March into the Central Library (616 Macleod Trail SE) this 

month to discover great new programs to enlighten and 

inspire! Programs are free with your library card. Register 

online at www.calgarypubliclibrary.com or call 260-2620. 

Central Library Career Expo 

With the largest career resources collection in Calgary, the 

Central Library is the place to kick start your career search! 

You’ll find great speakers and resources during our Career 

Expo. THURS March 1 st and SAT March 3 rd . Call us at 260- 

2782 and/or view our program guide online. 

Cutting Edge Forensic Mysteries 

Join our staff for a lunchtime discussion of some very creepy 

forensic mysteries that will be sure to send shivers down your 

spine! We’ll even provide the coffee! THURS March 1 - 12:05 

to 12:40 p.m. New and Notable area on the main floor. No 

registration required. 

Discover Calgary’s Heritage 

Join us for a lively discussion on heritage issues in Calgary. 

Your hosts? The Calgary Heritage Authority, which advises 

City Council on heritage resources and evaluates potential 

heritage sites in Calgary, and the Calgary Heritage Initiative 

Society, a newly formed group dedicated to the preservation, 

productive use and interpretation of historic buildings. SAT 

March 10 - 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. Fourth Floor. 

Planning Your Vacation 

Off to the Orient? Gallivanting around Greece? Travel information 

of all kinds is available through the Calgary Public 

Library. Discover our resources and discuss the advantages and 

perils of being your own travel planner. SAT March 17 - 2:00 

to 3:30 p.m. Fourth Floor. 

Kevin D.A. Kurytnik & Carol Beecher’s Animation Workshop 

The people behind Mr. Reaper’s Really Bad Morning screen 

their award-winning film, speak about making the production, 

show some related animation, and work with participants to 

create an animation using their own portable animation equipment. 

SAT March 31 - 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Meeting Room 1 

– Basement. 

Central Library Hours 

Monday Soggy – Thursday Scouts: Maria 10 Petersen, a.m. – 9 Araya p.m. Hope, Eric, 

Friday Desmund & Saturday and 10 Terrin a.m. – Leclair 5 p.m. 

Sunday Noon – 5 p.m. 


Joe Ceci 

268-2430 or joe.ceci@calgary.ca 

Happy New Year! I’m enjoying 2007 and expect another great year 

of Ward 9 activity. I’d be happy to attend any Community Association 

meetings or events, just call my office. 

Twila Jasper, Executive Assistant 268-2477 

Sharon Stevens, Community Liaison 268-5330 

Top Ten Ward 9 issues 

1. Affordable Housing 

2. Responsible taxes 

3. Accessible transit 

4. Working with three orders of government to address common 

issues 

5. Not a City jurisdiction but...keeping inner city schools open 

6. Bylaw sweep and enforcement, community cleanups, dilapidated/abandoned 

vehicles 

7. Cleaning up parks , pathways & green space through stewardship 

programs 

8. Increased density inner city 

9. Prevention and treatment for drug addicted/prostitution 

10. Art & recreation programs for youth, families, new immigrants, 

seniors 

Dawn Cumiford (1963) 

Do you agree with these top ten? Any more to add or change? 

Call Joe Ceci to discuss and check the Ward 9 website at www. 

calgary.ca/aldermen/ward9 for updates, reports, and other 

happenings. And, of course calling 311 which is available 24 

hours a day and is an effective tool to record complaints at the 

City. 

Alderman Joe Ceci, 268-2430 joe.ceci@calgary.ca 

Twila Jasper, Executive Assistant twila.jasper@calgary.ca 

Sharon Stevens, Community Liaison, 268-5330 clward9@ 

calgary.ca. 

Cleaning Up The Core 

On Sunday’s over the past three months Joe Ceci and volunteers 

have worked to clean the riverbank and the areas around 

the Drop-In Centre, within a one mile radius. Additional volunteers 

are needed. On April 1st interested helpers are encouraged 

to meet at the Drop-In Centre at 2 pm with a wrap up 


People in Ramsay 

Beth Carter 

Ramsay is a diverse and 

historical inner-city neighbourhood, 

which is artsfriendly, 

family-based, and active. We are 

a village surrounded by green space in the 

midst of the city. In this monthly column, 

we will meet one person who helps to 

define our wonderful community. 

Dawn Ferguson – Hooked on Ball 

I’ve always enjoyed looking at the team 

photos and trophies in the display case 

at the hall. Through a mystery photo we 

published in the newsletter, I met Dawn 

(Cumiford) Ferguson, who is a fount of 

knowledge on everything to do with the 

history of ball in Ramsay. 

Three generations of Dawn’s family 

have lived in Ramsay. Her grandparents, 

the Wilsons, moved to 10 th Street in the 

early 1920s. Dawn’s mom Helen was 

the oldest of 10 children. She attended 

Ramsay School until Grade 7, then 

stayed home to help her mother with the 

large family. 

After Helen got married to Ralph 

Cumiford, they moved just down the 

street, across from Cooper’s store on 

the corner of 17 th and 10 th . They had 

7 children between 1939 and 1954: 

Jeannie, John, Dawn, Edie, Bonnie and 

Roy (twins), and Kathy. “There were tons 

of kids in the neighbourhood. The field on 

10 th Street was our second home. We played 

games until dark. In winter, Ray Jefferies, 

along with Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton, used 

to flood a rink and we played hockey. Mrs. 

Inwood always made us hot chocolate. At 

night we sat on the hill and watched the 

steam engines. Many people in the community 

were train conductors, so we would 

wave at them”. 

Dawn remembers that everyone 

bought groceries at Coopers. “My uncles 

used to get us kids to run up to Coopers 

Store and buy their smokes. With the quarter 

tip, which was a lot of money, we could 

go to the Garry Theatre in Inglewood on 

Saturday matinee, and get in for 15 cents, 

buy a chocolate bar and drink for 10 cents, 

and get a comic book from the Theatre. 

Everyone from Ramsay and Inglewood met 

on Saturdays at the Garry Theatre.” 

Other fond memories included hauling 

toboggans up the hill to go down 

Devil’s Run – a scary bumpy ride (where 

Elizabeth Street is today). Or picking 

the plentiful Saskatoon berries along the 

river near the trailer park, so her mom 

could bake pies. Or attending summer 

school at Ramsay School, where they 

played ball and did crafts. In the late 

50s and early 60s, there was a Teen Club 

that ran out of the original hall (where 

the Seniors Welcome Centre is now). 

They got together for soft drinks and 

jive dancing. The parents chaperoned. 

Dawn and several of her sisters were 

actually married in the Hall. 

However, the real focus for the 

Cumiford family was baseball. “As my 

father always said: We breathed, ate and 

slept ball!” 

The entire family was involved in 

Ramsay ball. Somebody was always 

going to a practice or a game. Dawn 

started to play with the team in 1957 

and her sister Edie joined in 1958. 

Bonnie and Kathy were bat girls and 

Roy later became a bat boy. Her parents 

coached, drove to games, 

cheered them on and hosted 

many post-game social gatherings. 

The team won the City 

Midget championship in 

1957, then the Juvenile, 

Junior and Intermediate 

City championships for 

eight years – between 1959- 

66, and the Provincials 

between 1959 and 1965. 

“We had a big following 

– lots of locals came to watch 

our games. Roy Courtney was 

our first coach – he was a 

wonderful man and he really 

encouraged me to play ball. 

I became known for hitting 

home runs”. 

The ball diamond was 

right on top of the hill, in 

the same location it is today 

– although there was no big 

skating rink and very few 

trees. The 60s was an era of 

big, backcombed hair, so the girls often 

tied scarves around their heads to protect 

their fancy beehives. 

Two years ago, Dawn and her sister 

Edie decided to apply for induction into 

the Alberta Amateur Softball Association 

Hall of Fame. They gathered together 

as much data about the Ramsay teams 

as possible, including photographs, 

statistics and history. Dawn showed me 

her extensive binder full of wonderful 

memorabilia – even some original score 

cards and an autographed napkin from 

an awards dinner. Dawn was thrilled to 

discover the trophies and photographs 

stored in the history files at the Ramsay 

Hall. Their first submission was unsuccessful, 

but they will keep trying and 

keep their fingers crossed. It can take up 

to 8 years to be accepted. 

Dawn and Edie are still trying to track 

down some of the players. The list of all 

the girls and coaches that played between 

1957 and 1966 has been posted on the 

Ramsay website in the Sports section. If 

you can help them out, please call Dawn 

at 291-0886 (w) or 285-4320 (h). 


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March 2007 - Ramsay Community Association

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