March - Ramsay Community Association in Calgary

R A M S AY C O M M U N I T Y A S S O C I AT I O N 1 1 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
http://www.ramsaycommunity.ab.ca
March, 2005 Circulation 1200
Softball Registration
We are holding our softball registration at the Ramsay
Community Hall on:
Wednesday, March 9 from 7-9 pm
Saturday, March 12 from 10-12pm
Mites Under 10 boys/girls $70
Squirt Under 12 boys/girls $70
Bantam Under 14 boys/girls $70
Midget girls Under 16 girls $100
We are affiliated with Calgary Minor Softball.
The season runs from the middle of April until the end of June.
Registration will be for T-ball/coach pitch.
Registration includes picture package and Softball Hat. Teams
are dependant on number of players registering.
For more information, please call Karen at 508-5070.
PROPOSED CHANGES AT LILYDALE
PRESENTATION at the March 1 General Meeting
7:00 p.m. at the Hall
Lilydale representatives will be attending our general
meeting in March to discuss potential renovations
to the neighbourhood plant. Your input is
greatly desired and as part of a good neighbour
policy they want to share their ideas and integrate
your feedback to this new project.
Do you know this team?
We found this team photograph from the 1960s in the Community Hall display cabinets, along with all the trophies. The
photo is in colour and their Ramsay uniforms are a wonderful teal green, and we hope they didn’t have to cover up their hair
with helmets! We would love to identify the players, find out about their trophies and hear their stories. If you can you help
us out, call the hall.
Don’t Forget — Ramsay Community Association monthly meeting takes place the
first Tuesday of every month – 7 pm in the Lower Hall

RAMSAY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2003-2004 & COMMUNITY CHAIRS
Position Name Contact Info
President Vince Bodnar 266-4329
vincentbodnar@hotmail.com
Past President Michael Fitzpatrick mgfitz@shaw.ca
Vice President – External
& Chair, Civic Affairs
Janice Thoroughgood 269-2640
jthoroughgood@hotmail.com
Vice President – Internal & Colleen Peters 284-4918
Chair, Membership
Treasurer Jennifer Hapgood 217-6750
jennifer.hapgood@shaw.ca
Secretary Darlene Travis 265-4898
Member Liz Skagen 262-8714
lizcar@shaw.ca
Member Brenda Japp 264-7137
Chair, Special Events Ev Bell 259-3753
evbell@telus.net
Member Allan Baker 237-7927
bakerpals@shaw.ca
Member Lynn Whieldon 265-4898
Community Hall Karen Lowry 265-4898
Summer and Winter Sports Karen Lowry &
265-4898
Jennifer Hapgood
Special Events Vacant 265-4898
Casino Pat Baker 237-7927
bakerpals@shaw.ca
Ramsay School Liaison Catherine Cartmill 265-4898
Beautification Brenda Japp 264-7137
Website
www.ramsaycommunity.ab.ca
Newsletter Layout Fred Holliss 815-3733
fred@holliss.ca
Newsletter Editor Beth Carter 269-4199
bethcarter@shaw.ca
MEETING NOTICES
Next General Meeting
Tuesday, March 1, 2005
Ramsay Community Lower Hall, 7 pm
Childcare available.
Next Ramsay Community
Board Meeting
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Ramsay Community Lower Hall, 7 pm
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SOFTBALL REGISTRATION ....................1
LILLYDALE .....................................1
TABLE OF CONTENTS .........................2
MEETING NOTICES............................2
MEMBERSHIP FORM...........................2
CIVIC AFFAIRS ................................3
MUSIC PROGRAM..............................4
JOE’S JOURNAL................................5
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE .......................5
ALEXANDRA CENTRE .........................7
DENNIS HERARD ..............................7
RAMSAY SCHOOL ..............................8
SPECIAL EVENTS ..............................8
COMMUNITY TIDBITS..........................9
THE ALEX ................................... 11
TRAFFIC...................................... 13
SCOUTS ...................................... 13
TRAFFIC...................................... 13
PEOPLE IN RAMSAY......................... 15
CALENDAR OF EVENTS...................... 16
COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP
Contact Colleen Peters at 284-4918
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
Family Name(s): _________________________________________________________
Your Name: __________________________Spouse’s Name:____________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________
Postal Code: __________________________ Telephone: ________________________
Email: _________________________________________________________________
Children:
1. _______________________________________ Age: _________
2. _______________________________________ Age: _________
3. _______________________________________ Age: _________
I would like to become involved with:
___ Board of Directors ___ History ___ Beautification ___ Civic Affairs
___ Membership ___ Casino ___ Sports ___ Technology
___ Newsletter ___ Safety ___ Traffic ___ As required
Ramsay News page 2

CIVIC AFFAIRS
Janice Thoroughgood
Civic Affairs met on Monday, January 31. We had
a brief discussion regarding the Water Centre, I’ve
included a map of the area below. We also discussed the
Lilydale renovation.
Lilydale Renovation
Civic affairs invited some of the more immediate neighbours
of Lilydale to attend the meeting. The general consensus was
that a renovation of the Lilydale plant is not supported. It is
understood that Lilydale is a long-standing neighbour of the
community. However, Ramsay is evolving and a slaughterhouse
no longer is a fit for the area. Lilydale is presenting their
renovation proposal at
the March 1 General
Meeting. We’ll keep
you posted.
and exiting the site via Manchester Way are to do so mainly
through left and right turn lanes. The goal with this design
is that traffic will not wait in a stacked lane to go straight
through the community. However, the plans will continue to
be refined as this is an extensive project that will take place
over up to 25 years.
Regarding the concern that Manchester Way could connect
Spiller Road with Macleod Trail, a City consultant assured
us that “Spiller Road from Macleod Trail will be closed except
to allow access to the cemetery. It is crucial to the functioning of
the Manchester Yard that there be no shortcutting from Macleod
Trail.”
SPILLER ROAD
RAMSAY
Manchester Water
Centre DP2004-1994,
LOC2004-0040
I had a request for a
map of the Manchester
Centre, so here it is. We
have filed the following
concerns to the City:
1. The extension of
MANCHESTER WAY
SPILLER RD EXTENSION
Spiller Road, a.k.a.
Manchester Way,
South of 25 th Ave.,
it is designed as a
5-lane road and it
is referred to as the
“Main Entrance” to
the Manchester Site.
2. The future closure of
Spiller Road south
of 25 th Ave., beside the cemetery. There is a potential to link
Macleod Trail to Manchester Way.
City Transportation Planning responded to our concerns, with
the consideration of other interested parties. Vehicles entering
“SERVING INGLEWOOD AND
RAMSAY SINCE 1993”
Muffler & Brake
1803 - 11th Street SE
M - F 8 AM - 5 PM 215-0110
www.ericscarline.com
Ramsay News page 3

AFFORDABLE AND FUN MUSIC SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS OF ALL AGES
Ed Top
An affordable music school began in March for residents in
Ramsay and Inglewood. For as little as $3 a session students are
being exposed to the instruments of guitar, piano, voice and
drums.
“I’m excited about the possibilities for gifted kids,” said
organizer Ed Top. “Many families simply can’t afford $25 an
hour for music lessons. This will give them an opportunity
to discover whether or not they have a natural inclination for
an instrument without having to fork over big bucks in the
process.”
Taught at the Lantern Community Church, the program is
sponsored in an interesting way.
“Thirty-five ‘shareholders’ are being approached to donate $35
a month for as long as they are able,” Ed said. “The school
then can accommodate up to 75 people. We’re attempting to
rent, buy or borrow instruments so our students don’t have to
purchase something immediately.”
The Lantern Music School has opened its doors to seniors as
well with up to three people in each class.
“We currently have three retired people in one session learning
the mouth organ and three youngsters in the next room playing
a Beatles tune on the guitar,” Ed said. “We feel small, fun group
dynamics are the way to go. Even if only 10% of students go on
to make this a life-long love, the program will have been worth
it.”
The sessions run for six weeks and then stop for a two-week
break. Students are expected to commit to those weeks, so the
cost of registration will be $18.
“If the classes go well, students have the option of continuing
for another six weeks,” Ed said. “The classes are a fabulous
way to get to know each other. It’s a great community-building
project.”
For more information on classroom availability or if you’d like
to participate by buying a ‘share’, you can get a hold of Ed at
234-9116.
ARE YOU AT RISK FOR HEART
DISEASE?
As part of its ongoing efforts to reduce one of the leading
causes of medical emergencies, the Calgary Fire
Department recently introduced free cholesterol screening
at select residential fire stations across the city. Free blood
pressure screening is offered at all stations. For more
information on these or any other Fire Department service,
please visit www.calgary.ca/fire.
Fire Stations providing Cholesterol Screening:
Station #8
1720-45 Street SW
Station #9
2515-78 Avenue SE
Station #19
13807 Parkland Blvd SE
Station #20
3110 Sinai Street SW
Station #23
2727-26 Avenue SE
Station #24
2607-106 Avenue SW
Station #26
450 Midpark Way SE
Station #29
7027 Coach Hill Road SW
Station #30
6 McKenzie Towne Gate SE
Station #4
1991-18 Avenue NE
Station #10
1909-16 Avenue NW
Station #18
415-68 Avenue NW
Station #21
209 Silvergrove Drive NW
Dale Station Fehr #28 at the unveiling 7925 of his Edgemont Ramsy mural, Blvd NW 2003.
Ramsay Community Hall
Space for rent
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
WEDDINGS
ANNIVERSARIES
MEETINGS
Etc.
Is your space too small?
Come and check out the hall!!
For more info & prices contact Karen: 265-4898
Ramsay News page 4

Joe’s Journal
Contact us at 268-2430 or joe.ceci@calgary.ca
Dial 211
If you are in need of community, social or government services
information and referral - dial 211. The service is free, confidential
and multi-lingual. Examples of the services any caller
might need include: childcare, programs for people with disabilities,
housing services, counselling services, language courses,
recreational programs, educational opportunities, parenting
classes, employment opportunities, rehabilitation information,
health services. Three organizations partnered to make the
service a reality in Calgary – United Way of Calgary and Area,
the Distress Centre, and The City of Calgary.
Be a Snow Angel: Calgary’s seniors need extra help in the winter,
particularly in keeping their sidewalks shovelled, ice-free
and safe. Can you lend a hand? Please, adopt a senior’s sidewalk
this winter, and keep it clear. It’s the neighbourly thing
to do. For more information contact 268-CITY (2489).
Watch for 311 phone line coming in June; this will be all City
of Calgary related inquiries: waterworks, roads, sanitation,
bylaw, animal bylaw.
Community cleanups: call NOW to book the City Waste and
Sanitation Department bin for your community. 230-6632.
This program is a valued community development opportunity
offering residents, neighbours, & businesses to work together
to beautify your neighbourhood.
Joe reviews a development permit application with Ward 9
Executive Assistant, Twila Jasper and Ward 9 Community
Liaison, Sharon Stevens. Joe meets regularly with the Ward
9 Community Association Presidents Advisory Committee.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Vince Bodnar
Ramsay residents should be filled with pride as we
look around our community, and delve into our neighbourhoods.
There have been some great accomplishments
over the past year and some fantastic plans for the next several
months. These successes come on the backs of several key
(and often unsung) local heroes. We should all be proud to be
members of this great community. I would like to highlight
some (of a very long list) of recent and future successes.
With another successful casino under our belt, I wanted to
take a moment to acknowledge the great work of Pat and Al
Baker; and their team of community volunteers. They proved
again how hard work and dedication is a recipe for success.
What a success it was. The Ramsay community relies on gaming
funds for ongoing support of projects and community initiatives.
Without the efforts of ALL of the volunteers – events
like the casino would not be a success.
There are still more opportunities for you as a community
member to become involved. Look for upcoming events from
the new Special Events Committee. These events raise community
spirit – and are just a lot of fun.
Our Civic Affairs and Traffic teams have been working
extremely hard on representing our local issues to our government.
Upcoming issues include potential new development
at Lilydale, and proposals from the City in regards to traffic
calming strategies for our community. We can expect to see
additional information from these teams in the coming weeks
– and opportunities for additional community input and consultation.
The issues being brought to the larger Ramsay community
membership are very important – and your feedback is
vital. Please participate however you can.
Spring 2005 will be busy as well for our Ramsay beautification
initiatives as well. The ‘entrances’ to our Community will
be the focus – in our larger ‘Streetscape’ community beautification
plan. Our ‘centre’ will get a facelift, with our Ramsay
Community Association Hall Renovation. Look for opportunities
to participate in a variety of stages with these projects
(construction, painting, landscaping, and fundraising).
We can also look forward to the development of a new
school playground at Ramsay Elementary – a dedicated initiative
of the Parents’ Association that will see fruition this year.
Yes, Ramsay is a community that is very much alive and
well. Let’s celebrate our past successes; and roll up our sleeves
to keep the momentum going. See you out and about - Come
Volunteer!
-- Vince
Ramsay News page 5

Ramsay News page 6

GOING WILD!!!!!!
FAMILY DAY
February 21, 2005
6:00PM
Alexandra Dance Hall
Journey into some of the planet’s best
wilderness areas with Brian
LIMITED SEATS – Get Your Tickets Now!
922 – 9 Avenue SE
403.269.5588 Fax: 403.269.5868
info@alexandracentresociety.org
“Whole Child Development”
Based on Waldorf Education Philosophy.
NEW!!!
PRESCHOOL GYMNASTICS
Children 3 – 4yrs.
January 24 – March 31
Child & Parent or Guardian
Monday & Tuesday weekly
FUN! FITNESS! ACTION!
April – June Mondays 11:30 am
Call 269-5588
Minimum of 6 children required
April 1 – June 30
Children only; 3 – day program
Movement, Music, & Story Telling
in a gentle and beautiful environment.
Register Mon. – Fri. 9:00am – 5:00 pm.
SPECIAL PLAY DATE INVITATION
Rose Maynard,
Teacher and the Children and
Parents of the Alexandra Playschool invite you
and your child to spend a morning playing and
The Alexandra Centre Society Christmas Hamper Program saw another successful year. We provided 48 Christmas
Hampers to families need Inglewood, Ramsay and Victoria Park. The program was largely a success due to the
dedication of volunteers, sampling and generous the donors. newest We would like to play thank all spot the individuals in town! and organizations for your
financial, in-kind, and volunteer support.
Call Michael to book a visit.
Special thanks go out to the folks at Fleischmann’s Yeast and The Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank. The staff at
Fleischmann’s ensured that every child had new toys 269-5588
under the tree this year, and The Food Bank supplied us with a
huge order of food items at no cost. Fort Calgary, Planet Organic Market, Inglewood Child Development Centre,
Silver Threads, Calgary Co-Op, Mark’s Work Wearhouse, The Calgary Hitmen, The Down Under Club, St. Anne’s
School, and The Lantern Church all made significant contributions to aid our community residents.
JACK LONG MEMORIAL PARK
We would like to thank the following individuals for contributing their time, The Calgary Alternative Support Services
Crew, Jenny Thomson, Molly Cropper, Carl & Heike Semon, Sandra Whiteford, Lynn MacKinnon, Ria Burr, Sandy &
George Parkson, Pete & Doreen Wiens, Don Raine, John & Grace Westra, Peter & Pat Abbott, Paul Moores, Heather
Wallinder, Shirley-anne Have you Reuben, Everyone ever at looked the IODE, and at many the others park – you know west who you of are! the
Alexandra Building and dreamed of what might
be? What kind of park do you see?
A festival site? A reading spot? More trees &
shade?
Now’s the time to share your ideas.
In 1977 the site was designated (at the
community’s request) for Community Park use and
re-zoned as park in 1993.
Have Your Say – April 7, 7:00 PM
The Alexandra Centre Society will be hosting a
special park planning session for Jack Long Park.
Come and share your ideas with BC landscape
architect Margo Long (Jack’s daughter).
RSVP Michael 269-5588
JACK LONG MEMORIAL PARK FUND
The Alexandra Centre Society has set up the
Jack Long Park Trust Fund for park development.
Tax receipts will be provided and 100% of your
donation will be applied to the project. Maybe you
have always wanted to have a bench dedicated
in memory of a loved one, or want to contribute
in some way to future generations… No amount
is too small or too large. Contact Shirley-anne
Reuben for information, or with your ideas 269-
5588.
Denis A. Herard, M.L.A.
Chair, Standing Policy Committee on
Education and Employment
Calgary Egmont Constituency
#10, 8318 Fairmount Dr. S.E. T2H 0Y8
640-1363, 640-2970 (f)
Edmonton - toll free - 310-0000 and key in 780-422-5378
calgary.egmont @assembly.ab.ca
Saving for our children’s higher education gets a financial boost
After two and a half years of planning and policy work at both
the provincial and federal level, my RESP initiative is now a reality
thanks to a Premier that encourages all MLAs to take policy
ideas forward through the process. I recently attended the program
kick-off and was very proud that more of our children will
be able to attain a post-secondary education in the future.
Alberta newborns get $500 head start towards their education
future
Alberta’s youngest residents now qualify for a financial boost
to their post-secondary education savings, thanks to the new
Alberta Centennial Education Savings Plan, the first provincial
program of its kind in Canada.
The plan is designed to give Alberta parents an incentive
to start planning and saving for their children’s post-secondary
education as early as possible. It will make available $500
towards a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) for every
child born to, or adopted by, Alberta residents in 2005 and after.
Subsequent grants of $100 will be available to children attending
school in Alberta at ages 8, 11 and 14, starting in 2013.
This program is a centennial gift to Alberta’s students of
tomorrow. It’s a valuable and tangible way to help mark the
province’s 100th birthday and will be a lasting legacy for
Alberta’s future generation of leaders, skilled workers and professionals.
To receive the $500 grant, a parent must first register the birth
of his or her baby and obtain a Social Insurance Number for
the child. The next step is to open an RESP in the child’s name.
Once the parent opens the RESP, he or she can then request the
Alberta Centennial Education Savings Grant and will be guided
through the application process by the bank or RESP provider.
It is estimated that about 40,000 children will be eligible for
the plan each year. The Alberta government will invest $20 million
annually in program, with that number growing to $30 million
annually by 2019. The program will be jointly administered
by the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada,
and will utilize the federal government’s verification, payment
and compliance procedures for RESPs.
RESP statistics show that close to 80% of students who have
an RESP go on to attend a post-secondary program of studies
while fewer than 50% of those who don’t have a savings plan
continue their education.
Please contact my office at 640-1363 or
Calgary.egmont@assembly.ab.ca with any comments or concerns.
Ramsay News page 7

SPECIAL EVENTS
Ev Bell
A small but enthusiastic group of skaters showed
up for Ramsay’s Third Annual Family Day Skate on
February 20 th . It was a beautiful sunny day, with lots of
good food and fun. We had some brand new skaters who did
very well, and the tobogganing hill was also busy. Thanks go to
Dwayne Eagle Child, Community Development Facilitator at
the Alex Community Health Centre for organizing the food,
to Benny’s Bakery for providing the buns, to Yvette, Barney
and Scott for the firewood, and as well as volunteers Scott,
Janice, Lynn, Michael, Karen.
RAMSAY SCHOOL
Brian Del Castilho, Principal
I said in my last newsletter that I would share the projections
for the 2005 – 2006 student enrollment with you in this
newsletter. Unfortunately, the projections came later than I
expected and I have not had the opportunity to share them
with the staff and the school council. Suffice it to say that the
school continues to grow. I shall share the number with you in
the next newsletter.
I may be beginning to sound like a broken record but the registrations
for kindergarten are not where I believe they should
be. I can safely say that we will probably have a full day kindergarten
class for 2005 – 2006. Because we have a number
of requests for the class from outside of Ramsay and Victoria
Park, we need to know the number of students coming from
our two areas. If you have not yet registered, please do so at
the school. If you are reading this and know of a neighbour or
a friend who has a kindergarten aged child, encourage them
to come and register as soon as possible. Knowing the number
of children will help us to plan and make decisions about how
many children we can take from the waiting list. Yes, we do
have a waiting list, which is a first for Ramsay in many years.
If we wait too long, we may lose these children on the waiting
list. This year, we had five children from within the two areas
register on the first day of school. That is far too late, particularly
when it comes to a program which is popular such as full
day kindergarten. Call the school at 777-7690 for details about
how to register. Please help our school continue to grow.
Our Mother’s Day running team has started to practice and
this year the team should be the largest we have ever had.
At this time we have over 30 students registered from a total
population of 56 students in grades 4, 5, 6, and 7. We limit
the team to students from those grades. Our Science Club
has more members than it has had in the past and we hope to
enter several teams in the city–wide Science Fair for students.
In March we shall have the Who Do You Tell program, the
Shave Your Lid for a Kid Cancer Fund Raiser, report cards, our
annual School Book Fair and an Evergreen Theatre production
at the school. So much takes place at our school; please share
this news with those you know. Thanks.
Ramsay News page 8

C ommunity T idbits C ommunity T idbits
LUNCHEON
Friday, March 11, 2005 at the Shamrock Hotel • $8.00
The Shamrock Christmas Fund is a non-profit organization
providing Christmas Food Hampers to needy families. Come a
little early and socialize! The lunch is delicious and it’s a great
way to meet new people.
BLOOD DONOR CHALLENGE
Canadian Blood Services thanks you for supporting the Sirens
for Life, Calgary vs. Edmonton 4th annual blood donor challenge.
2,916 donations were made on behalf of Calgary and
2,983 were made from Edmonton, a slight difference of 67
units. One blood donation can help to improve or save as
many as three lives. This challenge may have enabled 17,200
patients to receive blood and blood products for their treatments.
The bragging rights might have gone to our rivals up
north, but in the end it was the patients who won.
ATTENTION MUSICIANS
Do you have a band you want to showcase? Are you looking
to show off your bands talent? Then do we have the event
for you! All proceeds go to the Mighty Calgary 70th Beavers,
Scouts and Venturers. This event is in support of the Alberta
Centennial 2005. We will provide all the equipment and
advertising, all you need is yourself and your instrument. It is
at the Ramsay Community Hall on March 12, doors open to
the public at 7:00pm. To register contact Lucas at (403) 266-
4217 after 4:00 pm. Registration is only $20.00 per band.
SHAMROCK CHRISTMAS FUND
NEWSLETTER
A small team of dedicated volunteers works to create this newsletter
each month, including Beth Carter, Fred Holliss and Ev
Bell. While we try our best to get it produced and delivered
before the first Tuesday of the month, we have had some
recent problems with our delivery volunteers on certain routes.
If you have not received your newsletter, don’t forget that we
now have a supply of newsletters in the red box in front of the
hall.
The Ramsay News is funded and produced by the Ramsay
Community Association to build a sense of community and to
share information, notices and historical details about Ramsay.
It is delivered free of charge to 1200 households. The newsletter
is also posted on our website at www.ramsaycommunity.ab
.ca. Would you like to be involved? We are always looking for
people interested in helping out with writing, advertising or
delivery. Email news@ramsaycommunity.ab.ca or call Beth at
269-4199.
RAMSAY CASINO!
Thanks to all the community members who helped out with
Ramsay’s casino on February 24 and 25, 2005. As usual, thank
you to Pat and Allan Baker for organizing this successful fundraiser.
NEWS FROM ARTPOINT
ARTPOINT Gallery & Studios
1139 - 11 Street S.E. • 265-6867 • artpoint@telus.net
Gallery hours: Thu & Fri 1-5 pm, Sat 11 am - 5 pm
The Erotic Show, curated by George Duncan
Through March 2005, we feature this exciting exhibition in
our Main Gallery, looking at erotic furniture, sculpture, paintings
and batiks. Opening receptions: Friday, March 4th from
5-9 pm & Saturday, March 5th from 5 to 9 pm.
Call for Artists!
We are still accepting entries of artwork of emerging artists
who never had their work shown in a gallery before for our
”UNSEEN ART” exhibition in May. This is your chance to
have your work displayed in our gallery and win a cash prize.
For more information call Elizabeth Dunn at 265-6867 or
239-2704.
FIRST THURSDAY
March 3rd, 2005
CALGARY’S FOOD, WINE & ARTS CRAWL with over 30
fabulous and fun venues.
Check out www.firstthursdays.ca for a complete listing.
Presented on the First Thursday of every month by the
Olympic Plaza Cultural District. All venues are within 3 blocks
of Olympic Plaza. To receive First Thursday listings each
month by email call Meg at 294-7455.
VENETIAN MASQUERADE THEATRE CAMP
March 28 - April 1, from 10am to 3pm • For ages 7-17
Led by Mooky Cornish, Cirque du Soleil Clown, and Xstine
Cook, founder of CAOS and Green Fools Theatre. Participants
will learn physical performance & team work. Have fun
creating masks and puppets using a shadows and black-light
to tell a story set in Venice. Performance on final day. Cost:
$195/child. To register, call CAOS, Calgary Animated Objects
Society: 266-1503, caos@shaw.ca.
PORRIDGE FOR PARKINSONS
We had a successful morning of delicious porridge and great
music – and raised $2400 for Parkinsons! Thank you to
everyone who attended, and to the community businesses and
individuals who donated to the Silent Auction, including Kam
Han Szechuan House, Space Gym, George’s Pizza, Passage to
India, Allison Morgan, and Stacey Maddock.
Ramsay News page 9

$$
$$
www.javajiveweekly.com
1 403 830 JIVE (5483)
Client
Mirandas Accounting Services
Tax Man Troubles?
Calls from the government regarding taxes
overdue can be handled easily
Bookkeeping
NEGOTIABLE BUDGETED RATES.
Simple Taxes for $40*
*based on Simple Tax Return
Donna Pomeroy www.mirandasaccounting.com 720­2280
Get Involved.
Make Ramsay a
Safer Community!
Block Watch is an effective residential crime protection
program that requires very little time commitment.
It is impossible for the police to be everywhere at all times.
Police require the assistance of every resident of Ramsay to
be their eyes and ears. The higher number of calls that the
police receive on any suspicious activity, the more
detailed information they will have to solve a crime. Block Watch provides a link
between neighbors for this reason.
BECOME A BLOCK WATCH MEMBER TODAY
It's easy! Call Ramsay’s Block Watch representatives:
Theresa @ 263-7127 or Mark @ 714-5570
Please leave your name, address, and phone number.
To receive a monthly newsletter on crime stats and a pamphlet on home security tips,
please email: 'Andrea@calgaryblockwatch.com'. There is no charge to join.
For More Information please visit
www.calgaryblockwatch.com
Ramsay News page 10

Community Health Centre
...committed to improving individual and community health.
COMMUNITY KITCHENS, LOW-COST MEALS AND FRIENDSHIPS
A community kitchen is a group of people meeting monthly to plan
and cook healthy, nutritious meals. Everyone has an opportunity to
participate in the menu selection, food preparation and cooking. People
bring favourite recipes to the group and learn
new recipes too. Good nutrition is an important
part of a community kitchen. Community
kitchens are a place to make new friends,
engage in conversation and learn new skills.
Everyone has their own reason for getting
involved with a Community Kitchen but all
participants experience the good food and rich
social benefits of their shared efforts.
Community
Kitchen
participants
cook wonderful
meals for
approximately
$1 per portion
per person.
Community kitchens can meet a wide variety of needs and desires;
vegetarian, canning, multicultural, single parent, pre- and post-natal,
diabetes maintenance and prevention, heart smart. The Alex Community
Health Centre will be starting Community Kitchen Groups in the spring/
summer. To find out more, please call 266-2622.
LEAVE A LEGACY
The Alex Community Health Centre is proud
to participate in Leave A Legacy Calgary, a
community-based awareness campaign
encouraging people to provide for the charities
they love when arranging their financial and
estate plans.A gift through your will or
financial plan can be your way of ensuring
your favourite causes are well supported now
and long after you are gone. Surprisingly, such
a gift can be a very
practical addition to a
financial or estate
plan when tax issues
are taken into
consideration even
for those who do not think they have tax
issues.
For more information about how you can leave
a gift in your will, call The Alex Community
Health Centre, 266-2622.
The Alex Community Health Centre
The Alex Seniors Community Health Centre
The Alex Community Health Bus
The Alex Suds and Savings Community
Laundromat
The Alex West Dover Health Centre
Come for a visit. Do your laundry for free. Surf the internet.
Bring this coupon with you for one free regular self-serve wash and dry.
The Alex Suds and Savings Community Laundromat 2012 Spiller Road SE
Name ___________________________________________________
Address _________________________________________________
One coupon per person, per household. Valid until March 31, 2005. No cash value. Coupon must be filled in to redeem.
The Alex Community Health Centre :: 922 9 Ave SE :: www.thealex.ca :: 266-2622 :: Registered Charity # 13282 4905 RR0001
Ramsay News page 11

Yoki & Jeffs Real Estate Report
Yearly Report
January December
Ramsay Ingelwood Bridgeland
Detached Homes 2004 2003 2004 2003 2004 2003
Average Selling Price $100,000-160,000 136,112 132,000 148,000 148,100 0 0
Average List Price 140,775 142,400 169,900 155,300 0 0
Number of Sales 8 2 1 4 0 0
Average Selling Price $160,001-200,000 181,368 177,333 182,150 199,000 182,291 183,750
Average List Price 189,926 184,600 187,570 199,000 188,583 189,940
Number of Sales 19 3 10 1 6 5
Average Selling Price $200,001-250,000 220,987 222,050 230,228 221,429 222,210 223,833
Average List Price 224,475 229,633 238,030 229,157 230,815 229,933
Number of Sales 8 6 26 7 19 3
Average Selling Price $250,001-350,000 296,185 285,333 282,502 282,443 300,627 274,500
Average List Price 302,414 291,433 288,821 291,329 311,443 279,900
Number of Sales 14 3 19 7 6 1
Average Selling Price $350,000+ 400,750 583,667 500,666 0 413,277 448,300
Average List Price 421,679 596,633 533,283 0 428,766 459,933
Number of Sales 4 3 6 0 9 3
HIGHEST RECORDED MLS SOLD IN 2004 420,000 575,000 610,000
Yoki & Jeff Nichol
TOP 1% in Canada Since 1983
Bus: 271-5555
From one Generation to the Next
Both working for you with
SINCERITY AND INTEGRITY
Licensed Agent assoc. to Yoki
7 years sales experience
2nd Year MLS Million Dollar Club
Relocation Specialist with over 300 Corporate Clients
We appreciate and we thank you for your loyalty.
www.yoki.ca
RAM REALTY
Ramsay News page 12

TRAFFIC ISSUES
Catherine Cartmill
The Traffic Sub-committee of the Civic Affairs committee is
working on your behalf to address traffic issues throughout our
community. Our goals as a traffic committee are to address
three specific concerns:
1. To promote a more pedestrian safe and cyclist friendly community.
2. To introduce traffic calming measures to address the community
concerns of safety and neighbourhood liveability
satisfying the requirements of the residents.
3. To reduce vehicular shortcutting and speeding, improving
the quality of life in our community. High traffic volumes
serve to cut like a knife through the heart of our community
separating residents from services in the community (shopping,
schools).
This is a sensitive time of transition for Ramsay and there
are many issues to look at when considering traffic calming
options. The increased density planned for the inner city
will directly affect our traffic patterns. The City of Calgary is
planning new offices for 25 th Avenue at Spiller Road to house
between 3,000 and 8,000 staff and has already placed a new
traffic signal to accommodate traffic headed northbound from
their offices. Residential condo development is underway
at the Victoria Park school site with plans for 840 suites. As
Victoria Park and Connaught, newly renamed Midtown, continue
their redevelopment plans we anticipate more high-density
development. As city employees and new neighbours go
about their daily business, our hope is that Ramsay is respected
as a community rather than viewed as a convenient shortcut.
Through previous traffic surveys, we have identified areas of
concerns for the community include Spiller Road / 8 th Street;
19 th Avenue and 21 st Avenue. If you live, work or drive on any
of these streets we will be looking for your input on proposed
traffic calming methods. We also must be sensitive to the effect
that traffic calming measures on one street may have on the
neighbouring streets and need to view the community as a
whole in order to be effective.
Those who live on the hill may be most concerned about
traffic during Stampede and Saddledome events. Those who
live on the southeast end of the community may be most
concerned about Lilydale expansion plans. The northeast end
of the community may be concerned about deterioration in
the housing stock as a result of land speculation by absentee
landlords. As individuals we may see these concerns as insurmountable
obstacles. If we choose to work as a community,
supporting our neighbours we can achieve our goals. We will
engage the community in this process and will be seeking your
input and support. We are fortunate enough to have seen other
communities’ efforts at traffic calming and have found that the
process is most effective with active community involvement.
Our role in this process is not to impose our ideas on others
but to facilitate the wishes of our community. If you have any
comments or concerns, please leave a message at the hall and
one of our members will contact you as soon as possible.
SCOUT NEWS
Rick Ryan
Just because it is cold outside, it doesn’t keep this gang in! The
beavers, 5-7 years, have been tobogganing and for the first
time they have their own cross-country ski program. They have
visited a chocolate factory and the Science Centre.
The Scouts, 10-14 years, have been making arrows and spent a
night at the archery centre. They attended a special award ceremony
where they were given the Chinook Adventure award
for a 5-day canoe trip last summer on the North Saskatchewan
River. Their next challenge is to get good enough on crosscountry
skis to ski into a backcountry cabin in the mountains.
The Venturers, 14-18 years, have been working on getting
the silver level of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. This covers
outdoor challenges, community service, personal development
through learning a skill and leadership training. Their
next challenge is to ski into the backcountry, build a snow
house and camp there for two nights. Look for their article at
The Band Showcase on March 12. These kids have been the
backbone of our program. They have assisted both Beavers and
Scouts on trips and camps. They also help out at meetings.
awfully short month
b.i.g. screen tv
gift with purchase
dance extravaganza
driving topless in february (!)
stargate atlantis
roommate hunting
driving through erlton
shaving by hand
short month!
westjet
books
sleep
food
beer
ramsay newsletter for march
815-3733
fred@holliss.ca
web design print
did i miss it or was there no hockey season?
Ramsay News page 13

Ramsay News page 14

PEOPLE IN RAMSAY
Beth Carter
Ramsay is a diverse and historical inner-city
neighbourhood, which is arts-friendly, 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.
Fred Holliss — Poet
He’s a prolific performance poet, a world traveller, a talented
graphic designer, and a highly valued community volunteer.
He’s also hard to miss around the neighbourhood in his wonderful
purple 1966 Plymouth Valiant Signet convertible.
Fred Holliss was born here in Calgary, in Rideau, but was
raised around the world. His father was in the oil business and
his family moved 19 times in 22 years, living in 7 countries
on 5 continents. As Fred says, Now it’s almost a novelty to stay
in one place! But Calgary remained home, and after a stint in
Sunnyside, Fred found Ramsay in 2000 and made it his home.
He likes living in the inner city, in an older neighbourhood
that has a unique combination of young and old, rich and
poor, with local schools and businesses scattered throughout.
It’s great that some people have lived here their entire lives. It’s
much more dynamic and interesting – cool people live here, with
lots of wacky ideas. Ramsay has a great community feeling where
you actually know your neighbours.
Fred has had a diverse career to say the least. He originally did
a Geology degree at the University of Edinburgh and worked
in the oil industry for over a decade. Even though the money
was seductive, Fred and the oil industry finally agreed to part
ways after the stress got to be too much. He realized that he
enjoyed the publishing end of the business, so trained himself
as a graphic designer. Along the way and in between, he
has produced beer advertisements, formed a punk rock band,
repaired motorcycles, hosted a CJSW radio show, trouble-shot
computer networks, administrated arts organizations, designed
washroom ads, dee-jayed in night clubs, and much more! And
did I mention he volunteers to design our newsletter each
month?
In the early 1990s, Fred started writing poetry to help mend a
broken heart. He was surprised when the poetry clicked, long
after he was over the girlfriend. Since then he has published
five volumes of poetry and is a founding Board
member of the Single Onion Poetry Society. They
put together ten performances per year – check out
their website at www.singleonion.com. Now that
he’s over his heartache, Fred’s poetry is leaning more
towards witty commentary and social issues, and he
can take inspiration from whatever is around him
– even Ramsay.
Bark Dog Bark
Bark dog bark
Bark bark dog bark
Bark dog bark
Bark bark doggy-dog
Bark
Don’t let the silence fool you
The bad thing is out there
Whatever the hell it is
You better scare it off
Bark dog bark
Master will come home sooner
Bark dog bark
Bad thing will depart sooner
Bark dog bark
The neighbours haven’t shot you
Yet.
Ramsay News page 15

MARCH 2005
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
RCA General
Meeting
7 p.m.
6 7 8 9
Softball
Registration
5-9 p.m.
2 3
First Thursday in
the Cultural District
4
Artpoint
Opening
5-9 p.m.
10 11
Shamrock
Christmas
Fund
Luncheon
5
•Cadet 50 th Anniversary
•Artpoint Opening
5-9 p.m.
12
•Softball Registration
10- 12 a.m.
•Battle of the Bands
7 p.m.
13 14 15
RCA Board
Meeting
7 p.m.
20
SPRING
BEGINS
16 17
•ST. PATRICK’S
DAY
•School Council
Meeting
7 p.m.
21 22 23 24
Last Day of School
before Spring Break
18 19
25
GOOD
FRIDAY
26
27
EASTER
28
Venetian
Masquerade
Theatre Camp
starts
29 30 31 April 1 April 2
Disclaimer Statement The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Ramsay Community Association.
Ramsay Community
BLOCK WATCH
For More Information Call
Teresa Young 263-7127
Mark Wolochaty 714-5570
Ramsay Community Contacts
Ramsay Community Hall & Ramsay Community Association
1136 - 8th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2G 2Z7
Phone: 403.265.4898 (please leave a message)•Fax: 403.265.4858
Ramsay Community Website: www.ramsaycommunity.ab.ca
Ramsay Community email: general@ramsaycommunity.ab.ca
Ramsay Newsletter email: news@ramsaycommunity.ab.ca
Ramsay website email: webcomments@ramsaycommunity.ab.ca
KEY POLICE CONTACTS
If you see crimes in the area,
please contact the police by
phone at 266-1234 or e-mail.
Our community liaison officer is:
Const. John Moriarity, Badge #3319
To e-mail any police officer
the address is: pol(badge
#)@calgarypolice.ca
(eg. to e-mail John Moriarity,
pol3319@calgarypolice.ca).
EMERGENCY: 911
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 at the Ramsay
Community Hall, 1136 8 St SE
A D V E R T I S I N G
Ad size Per month
business card $35
1/4 page $55
1/2 page $80
Full page $140
Flyer Inserts $75
NOTE: New reduced rates!
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
each month.
Ramsay News page 16