Hello Holyrood Neighbor,

Wow... what a year! Some of the hi-lites of the past year included the start and completion of Phase One (kitchen renovations) and this coming year will focus on the start of Phase Two. A huge effort on the part of volunteers was made one weekend last October to tackle our outdoor rink. Ray from the Soccer program and myself organized the hard working volunteers... and I must say the rink looks fantastic... right down to the gates!! Hopefully many of you were able to enjoy the improved facility. I know Jodi organized a great Family Day event which saw a record turnout this past February! And athough we had issues early on hiring an icemaker, community resident Dennis MacDonald eventually applied for the job and saw to it that by early January our community had a sheet of ice! And let's not forget Alexandra, Derek and Alexander who looked after the rink shack all winter allowing you were to warm up and change in comfort! Its great to see the spirit of our community so alive and well!

As my second year as President of your community league begins, I would like to welcome aboard the newest members of the executive who stepped up and volunteered at our successful AGM meeting held in April. Laurie (Secretary), Julia (Treasurer) and Marlene (Hall Rentals) Also, Carolyn (Vice-President) is now taking over the duties as Newsletter/Website Director. I look forward to another great year of continuing positive changes in our facilities and in our community.

With the delivery issues of the Southeast Voice hopefully behind us, and now with the improved website, I hope you are able to keep abreast of what is going on in Holyrood and how you can become involved. This year we plan on holding our first community BBQ which will allow new and old residents to mix and mingle... stay tuned for this and other updates under What's New!

Until next time,
Barry

As a point of interest in Holyrood Community League, the name "Holyrood" comes from medieval English and literally means the Holy Rood - that is Cross of the Crucifixion. Holyrood District joined Edmonton a year after the amalgamation of Strathcona in 1912. Toward the end of World War II, the area experienced a housing boom and by 1955, had over 1,000 homes. During the 1960's, the community was renowned for its large and vigorous contingent of young people. The community league was formed in 1956 with D. M. Hodges as our first President. The purpose of having the league was to build an outdoor rink before the snow fell that year. Under the leadership of the first executive board, President Hodges, V-P Arthur Cross, Treasurer R.P. Laurie, and Secretary J.E. Mead; an extensive door-to-door canvass was organized. When completed, there was enough money to begin construction at 95th Avenue and Holyrood Road, where the rink is currently situated. During the 1970's, much effort was spent by the League on Holyrood Community Park. When completed, the park featured baseball diamonds, soccer fields and creative play equipment.

In 1979, the Community League executive board spoke out against proposed development and usage of St. Helen Elementary School after its closure. The School board was willing to lease the premises to a non-profit organization for the development of a training centre, mostly because of the appendices to the proposal to allow construction of six greenhouses. The Community League felt that these structures would occupy scarce recreational land and act as a magnet for commercial traffic. As a result of this opposition, plans for the training centre were dropped. Consultation with the community began shortly thereafter. With great interest from the area senior population, the Community League approached the School Board to lease the property to a Senior's Recreation Centre. Under the leadership of Laurie Sims and John Sandercock, the proposal for a centre was accepted by the School Board. Today, that building is widely known as the South East Edmonton Seniors' Association (or, more familiarly SEESA). SEESA now provides services to many seniors in the area and is currently considering expansion to meet the needs of their members.

Years of fundraising paid off in 1985 when Holyrood Community League was granted $117,000 for the construction of a Community Centre. The year 2005 saw completion of the Rink Shack, while 2006 is the start for major renovations on the hall. As with any maturing neighborhood, on going maintenance is an issue, and we are addressing these needs as funds become available. And the rest they say, is history.

A HUGE thanks to both Ray and Moni who saw to it that our casino held April 17 and 18 at the West Edmonton Palace Casino was a great success. And a special thanks to each and every volunteer who worked a shift to help our community earn much needed revenue. Your commitment of time was most appreciated and on behalf of the Holyrood Community League.....THANK YOU!!

Meetings are held every second Monday of the month with the exception of July and August when no meetings are held. Start time is at 7 pm Any community member wishing to attend any of the meetings is more than welcome to.

Meeting minutes:

• September 10, 2007
• May 14, 2007
• April 10, 2007

HOLYROOD COMMUNITY LEAGUE Annual General Meeting/Open House

Wednesday April 30th @ 7 pm
Refreshments and Door Prizes
Everyone encouraged to atten

Why does Community Matter?

A strong community can improve our quality of life. Benefits include children doing better in school, people are healthier both mentally and physically, there are fewer addictions, fewer seniors feel isolated and there is less crime.

Our improved outdoor ice rink, our outstanding soccer program, our playschool and playground programs, and our ideas for revitalizing our greenspace are just some of the great reasons to come to our AGM/Open House. Why not find out what’s happening--and if you wish to, how you can become involved. We’ve done some very positive things, especially considering that we have not had a full board for the past year – but we need more help to keep the momentum going. This year we need to fill the positions of: President and Hall Director. We are in a great financial position at this time. With a full executive it takes less than 4 hours a month to fulfill one’s duties. We do not want to lose any of our successful programs, so we need new people with ideas to join us! Why not consider stepping up?

Holyrood also enjoys a vibrant seniors’ center and our elementary school is planning $8 million in renovations. With a blend of long term residents and young families moving in, our unique community, with your continued support, will continue to thrive.

Come out and meet your neighbor. Show your support for your community and its volunteers. See you there!

Also— Come out and see site plans for the Holyrood Community Greenspace Project. This project is really gaining momentum. Be a part of it!

We have available for rent our community hall and rink. More information on these facilities is available on the link above (Hall Rental and/or Rink Rental).

Phase One (Kitchen renovations) were undertaken in July 2006 and completed in January 2007. At this time, Phase Two of the renovations is being undertaken with a projected start date for the fall 2007 (subject to financing.) We are unable to accept any hall rentals at this time until the renovations are completed in full. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Please stay tuned for updates

Holyrood Community League Hall is a wonderful and cozy location for all your family or business functions. We can accommodate groups from 2 - 100 and feature a large mud room, beautiful hall with an adjoining full kitchen. Tables and Chairs are also available for rental. Fully wheelchair accessible. Adjoining Holyrood Park is a beautiful venue for your special day pictures and memories. Ample free parking adjacent to building.

*The Hall will not be available to rent until renovations are complete.

• For more information on the hall layout, please refer to the Floor Plan below.
• Rental requirements are available via the Renter Checklist below.
• If you are interested in renting the hall, please fill out the Rental Application form.

Floor Plan | Renter Checklist |

Enjoy the fresh air, great ice, and meeting new friends from your community. Get your skates on, warm up and visit with neighbours in our new Rink Shack! With accessible washrooms and on site staff, it is easy and convenient to spend some time here. Your community league membership allows free skating all season long, so why not take advantage of it?

Holyrood Skating Rink is open to members usually from late November (when it gets cold enough to freeze ice) to late February (when it melts!!). Members are free to use the ice surface anytime, but the staffed rink shack is only open at specified times.

We offer a wide range of adult fitness programs. Currently, we are offering Spring Shape-Up, River City Walkers, Yoga, and Nutritional Counselling. We have also offered group fitness programs. For more information on our programs, please follow the above links.

Eat well, walk well, feel great!

This 9-week program will get you started on a regular walking routine and give you the tools you need to eat well and lose weight. You will progress from 20 to 45 minutes of walking per class over the 9 weeks. Learn about nutrition labels, how to improve your diet, weight loss strategies and delicious, healthy recipes.

Meets: Morning class: Tues & Thurs 10 to 11 am Evening class: Tuesdays 7 to 8:30 pm (NEXT SESSION starts April 3, 2007)
Cost: Mornings $90 or Evenings $74
Register: Nora 465-1075,

For more information, please download the brochure below.

Download Brochure

Join us every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 to 10 am for good company and a vigorous walk in Edmonton's beautiful river valley.

Cost: $3.00 per walk drop in, or $25 for the month
Register: Nora 465-1075,

For more information, please download the brochure below.

Download Brochure

A wonderful way to tone and stretch your entire body while relaxing your mind. No experience necessary. Great for all ages. Participants of this program MUST have a current community league membership (from any EFCL member community)

Individual and family counseling to help you eat better and be healthier.

Contact: Nora 465-1075,

For more information, please download the brochure below.

Download Brochure

We offer a wide range of programs for children and youths. This summer we will be offering Soccer Clinics for children 5-12 years of age and the Green Shack Playground program. We have also offered other programs including Incredible Edibles - cooking with a grandparent. For more information on our programs, please follow the above links.

Soccer Clinics

These clinics will offer instruction in the basics of soccer to entry level players. Develop skills through drills and practice game situations.

July 9 to 19 Monday to Thursday
9:30 am to 10:30 am for 5 to 8 year olds (code 246303)
10:30 am to 12:00 pm for 9 to 12 year olds (code 246304)

July 23 to August 2 Monday to Thursday
9:30 am to 10:30 am for 5 to 8 year olds (code 246312)
10:30 am to 12:00 pm for 9 to 12 year olds (code 246314)

August 13 to 23 Monday to Thursday
9:30 am to 10:30 am for 5 to 8 year olds (code 246313)
10:30 am to 12:00 pm for 9 to 12 year olds (code 246315)

Cost:
$20 for the 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. sessions
$25 for the 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 Noon sessions

Each Course is two weeks in duration. Players registered in these sessions will be invited to play in a mini World Cup from August 7-9.

Registration:
By Phone: 496-4999 press 2
By Fax: 496-2955
Online: http://eReg.edmonton.ca
In Person: Circle Square office, 1st floor (11808 St. Albert Trail) or at any City of Edmonton Leisure Centre

Green Shack Playground Program

Playground Program (Green Shack) is a free program and will run every afternoon from July 3 to August 23 from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Registration:
By Phone: 496-4999 press 2
By Fax: 496-2955
Online: http://eReg.edmonton.ca
In Person: Circle Square office, 1st floor (11808 St. Albert Trail) or at any City of Edmonton Leisure Centre

Wheely Big Day

This year's Wheely Big Day was held May 26, 2007....stay tuned for updates for Wheely Big Day 2008.

Congratulations to each and everyone of you for making our first Medievial Block party on August 24 such a great success...a HUGE thanks to both Julia and Cathy who did a spectacular job of organizing the entire event and ketp things going all nite. What a great effort by our executive in attendance that evening. THANK YOU !! Now that our league has purchased a community BBQ we hope to make this an annual event. Everyone had a great time that nite and mixed with new and old neighbors. What was clearly evident that day was incredible community spirit. Thank you to: Karrie's Kostumes from St. Albert who generously donated the costumes the executive members were wearing that evening; City of Edmonton and Rodger Davidson who came to our rescue and ensured our grass in the rink was cut; ATCO who donated tarps in case of rain; Sheena Mcleod from HASC who went above and beyond when we ran out of supplies; Gary Kussman for helping man the BBQ; John Alexander for making a run to get more supplies; Dawn Volmer for keeping all the kids busy with activities; and Nick Kwasnycia who made sure our grounds and buildings were looking their best for the big day. FYI WHAT WAS PREPARED AND CONSUMED IN A TWO HOUR PERIOD: 280 HAMBURGERS, 156 HOTDOGS, 25 LARGE BAGS OF CHIPS, 25 TOMATOES, 12 ONIONS, 5 HEADS OF LETTUCE, 144 SOFT DRINKS, 100 JUICE BOXES AND 60 POPSICLES. Not bad for our first run....Thanks to your generous donations to the food bank also who received 205 lbs! Holyrood showed how much we can help those less fortunate in our City. See you next year!

Medievial Block Party Photo Album