RCA Newsletter 2004-09v2 - Ramsayramsaycalgary.ca/site-archive/newsletter/NewsletterSept2004.pdf ·...

http://www.ramsaycommunity.ab.ca September, 2004 Circulation 1200

Don’t Forget — Ramsay Community Association monthly meeting takes place the first Tuesday of every month – 7 pm in the Upper Hall

New Date!!!

COMMUNITY CLEAN-UPSaturday, September 18, 2004

Community Hall Parking Lot9 – 3 p.m.

It’s time to make our neighbourhood look great!

This is a great chance to clean up your yard. But we also want to make our neighbourhood spic and span.

We will be organizing some cleaning crews to pick up garbage in the parks and public spaces.

Consider donating an hour of your time for the community.

Giant garbage bins and oil barrels will be supplied by the city. Plastic bags will be available. Food and

refreshments will also be available.

We are looking for community members with trucks who might be willing to help pick up larger items. Call

the Hall at 265-4898.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & ELECTIONS

Tuesday, October 5th at 7 p.m.

Do you love living in Ramsay? Do you think we can improve our neighbourhood? Would you like to know more people

in the community? Then, please help us out by joining the Ramsay Community Association Board!

Board positions now available:

• 1 President, which is a one year term The President is responsible for the overall direction

of the Association, chairs meetings, acts as our official spokesperson, and acts as a signing authority for the RCA. The time commitment for this position is 5 – 10 hours per month.

• 1 Vice-President, which is a two year term The Vice President assists the President and chairs

meetings in his/her absence, and chairs either the civic affairs or membership committee. The time commitment for this position is 5 – 10 hours per month.

• 1 Secretary, which is a two year term. The Secretary takes accurate minutes of the general

and Board meetings and maintains the correspondence and records of the RCA. The time commitment for this position is 5 – 8 hours per month.

• 2 Members at large, one being a one year term, the other being a two year term.

Members at large are expected to attend two meetings per month, contribute to discussion on RCA matters, and assist where necessary. The time commitment for this position is 5 hours per month.

If you have questions about any of these positions, please contact Michael Fitzpatrick at 294-0752 or [email protected]

Committee position will also be made available. The board will also hear requests for the creation of committees with specific goals, directives, and mandates. No reasonable request will be turned down. Please note, that for certain events and activities to occur in the community, there must be a committee to oversee its operations.

LOGO WINNER!We hope that you have noticed the fantastic new logo on the newsletter. Congratulations to Janice Thoroughgood for designing the winning entry. And thank you to the other contributors as well! This graphic, which links together Ramsay’s urban heritage and natural environment, will be used for new community signage, as well as the newsletter and RCA letterhead.

Web Version

Ramsay News page 2 Ramsay News page 3

TABLE OF CONTENTSAGM &ELECTIONS...........................1NEW LOGO ....................................1COMMUNITY CLEAN UP.......................1TABLE OF CONTENTS .........................2MEETING NOTICES ............................2MEMBERSHIP FORM...........................2RAMSAY DAY ..................................3INDUSTRIAL OPEN HOUSE....................4PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE .......................5BEAUTIFICATION ..............................5CIVIC AFFAIRS ................................5RAMSAY SCHOOL ..............................7COMMUNITY TIDBITS..........................9ALEXANDRA CENTRE SOCIETY ............. 10A HORTICULTURAL PERSPECTIVE ......... 11FIRST THURSDAYS .......................... 12TRUST & RESPECT ......................... 13WAYNE CAO ................................. 14PEOPLE IN RAMSAY - GARTH IRVINE..... 15CALENDAR OF EVENTS...................... 16

RAMSAY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2003-2004 & COMMUNITY CHAIRS

Position Name Contact InfoCo-President and Vice President – Internal& Chair, Membership

Michael Fitzpatrick [email protected]

Co-President andVice President – External& Chair, Civic Affairs

Janice Thoroughgood [email protected]

Treasurer Jennifer Hapgood [email protected]

Secretary Ev Bell 259-3753 [email protected]

Past President& Chair, Nominating

Tim Stock-Bateman [email protected]

Member Beth Carter 269-4199 [email protected]

Member Brenda Japp 264-7137

Member Allan Baker 237-7927 [email protected]

Community Hall Karen Lowry 265-4898

Summer Sports Vacant

Winter Sports Vacant

Casino Pat Baker 237-7927 [email protected]

Ramsay School Liaison Catherine Cartmill 265-4898

Beautification Brenda Japp 264-7137

Community Safety Tim Stock-Bateman

Karen LowryDawn Blair

[email protected]

Website: http://ramsaycommunity.ab.ca

Newsletter layout: Fred Holliss 815-3733 [email protected]

MEETING NOTICESNext General MeetingTuesday, September 7, 2004Ramsay Community Upper Hall, 7 pmChildcare available.

Next Ramsay Community Board MeetingTuesday, September 21, 2004Ramsay Community Upper Hall, 7 pm

Notice of AGM: October 5th

COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIPContact Michael Fitzpatrick at 265-4898

You are the community – Your voice is important!Annual Membership allows you to:

Participate in Community SportsVoice your concerns to the Civic Government

Beautify our Community

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

AssociatePlease cut out this form

and mail with your cheque or money order

to:Ramsay Community

Association1136 – 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 Day – June 27, 2004We had a great turnout – about 200 people of all ages and stages – and a beautiful sunny day. A fantastic parade, kinetic

sculptures, fun races, balloons, games, henna painting, crafts and food – a fun time was had by all.

Thank You to the following individuals and businesses that helped make our second annual Ramsay Day so special!

Carline MufflerU-Fix-It Bay & Tools Black and White GroceryAlberta Corner StoreRamsay Village Market7-11Xstine Cook & CAOSRobert & RonPenny AP AndersonDavid Johnstone

Sargeant Derrick McGouganJamilah JosephCalgary Exhibition & StampedeNola ShewfeltJessica Spence-SalesCity of CalgaryHilary ArgentoKaren LowryMichael FitzpatrickJanice Thoroughgood

Beth CarterEv BellLiz SkagenBev HoltSmith InsuranceJoyti & her sister – The Henna Girls

And a big thank you to everyone who participated and made Ramsay Day 2004 a HUGE success!!


Dale Fehr at the unveiling of his Ramsy mural, 2003.


We had a quick meeting on July 26 to review one DP and some past minutes.

DP2004-1914 for 815 MacDonald Avenue SE had no con-cerns. This is for a new commercial building with a residence. If you don’t recognise the address - it’s the old ice cream shop. We’ve had a series of presentations with this property over the last six months, and the committee appreciates the builder’s efforts and consideration with the community’s concerns.

The Stampede hosted an informal meeting during Stampede to introduce community representatives and the companies involved in developing the Victoria Park area and East Village. Stampede will be holding more open houses as their expansion plans are developed over the next 25 years. Watch the newslet-ter for more information and open house dates.

We have received the statistics from the Traffic Study, and are planning an Open House in October. Check next month’s newsletter for more details.

Please take a look at the Industrial Interface information included in this newsletter and send in your comments.

If you would like to be notified of Civic Affairs meetings, please call or email me to be added to my email list.

Fundraising has now begun to implement our fantastic Streetscape Redevelopment plans. The first phase of

development will include beautification of the exterior of the hall as well as maintenance and renovations to the interior. We are very pleased to announce a grant from the City of Calgary as part of their Capital Conservation Grant program. We are awaiting word on several other grants which will also support this project.

Outwest Park is currently on hold while the city completes soil testing. We hope to complete the project next spring.

With the days getting cooler, we are looking forward to our annual Fall Harvest Table and Craft Sale, which will take place in November. Any people interested in participating, please give me a call at 264-7137. Come and join us - we had a great turnout last year!

Hello Ramsay. I hope everyone had a terrific summer. Ramsay certainly is an attractive community where so

many people put time and effort into the beauty of their yards. Thanks to all!

I have a few points to pass on the community this month. The first and most important is the up-coming Annual General Meeting and Board Elections being held this year on October 5th at 7:00 PM at the community hall. I implore everyone in this delightful community to participate by either:• accepting a seat on the Ramsay Community Association

board (a very easy process, just show up and be nomi-nated!),

• accepting a position with a committee or requesting the formation of a committee, or

• attending the meetings and involving yourself with the developments and the affairs of the community.

Everyone in this community is important. You are even more valuable if you lend small amounts of your time, your energy, and your expertise, to the betterment of Ramsay. This is, after all, your community, and your home.

I would like to thank the Ramsay Day Committee, headed by Evelyn Bell for what turned out to be a most wonderful day. Almost 200 people showed up this year with a huge number of kids having the time of their life. Thanks everyone. And thank you to those who came out and had such a good time. I think we are on to something.

For those who would like to show their community pride, there are “I Love Ramsay” bumper stickers available for a very nominal price which goes to support the finances of the com-munity. I have seen a few around already and they really do look great. They will always be available at the meetings held in the hall the first Tuesday of the month. Or call Evelyn Bell at 259-3753. Support Ramsay!

The High Tea and Boot sale this year was held in July and once again was a success. This event has always drawn a good loyal crowd from the community. Thank you Angie.

And now its time to start gearing up for another busy year. Beth and Karen have both put in extraordinary time to secure improvement funds for the community hall. Expect to see improvements and maintenance work being performed on the hall in the near future. Out West Park is presently in limbo as the city performs a soil contamination check. Hopefully, work will proceed with the new design of the park by the early spring of 2005. The Beautification Committee will begin implementing very positive changes and additions to the neighborhood this summer and fall. I’m sure everyone noticed the planting of trees in the area. Thank you to Brenda and her committee members for all their hard work.

Hope to see you at the Annual General Elections on October 5th, 7 PM, everyone.

BEAUTIFICATIONBrenda Japp

CIVIC AFFAIRSJanice Thoroughgood

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGEMichael Fitzpatrick


Welcome back to a new school year. The summer flew by quickly and now we are all back in school. First of all I would like to thank the Ramsay School Council for their generous donation to our secretary, Nola Shewfelt, and her husband, Wes. As many of you know, Kyle Shewfelt, their son, com-peted in the Olympic Games for Canada in gymnastics. (As I write this, he is slated to compete in the finals for gymnastics in the floor and the vault events.) The school council used funds raised from Stampede parking over the summer. This unique and one time donation helped the Shewfelts with the considerable costs they incurred travelling to Athens, Greece, to see Kyle compete. It also showed that the school and the school council participated in the Olympic Games in some small way. The children will know that their school was repre-sented in Athens, Greece. Go Ramsay Go! Go Canada Go!

The school is embarking on a significant initiative in having full day kindergarten for the 2004 – 2005 school year. We expect this and other initiatives, like a new school playground, to increase our student enrollment and demonstrate a commit-ment to the community on providing a first class educational experience for children. I shall let you how the school year started in the October newsletter. For now, though, please tell your friends and neighbours about our school.

HERITAGEMichael Fitzpatrick

A temporary arrangement has been reached with regards to the Committee of Heritage/Historical. The acting chair for the committee is Michael Fitzpatrick, and the committee mem-bers include Janice Thoroughgood, Beth Carter, and Evelyn Bell. For anyone interested in participating in the committee and the interesting work of researching historical aspects of our community, please talk to me at the General Community Meetings held every 1st Tuesday of the month, at the commu-nity hall.

At present the committee is looking to start work with the Alexandra Society in September. Headed by Peter Chesson, the tri-area was issued a grant for a research project that involves all three areas. Help with this very involved work would be most welcome.

Also, we are very excited by our new bumper stickers – see below. Ask us about obtaining a history of your house as well!

At the elections on October 5th, the committee will be reviewed. Please feel free to express your interest or intent to join the committee. We would love to have your participation.

BUMPER STICKERS

Show your pride in Ramsay!

Stickers are available for $4 each and will be avail-able at the general meetings or at select community businesses.

For an additional $4, the Heritage Committee will open its files to share a brief historical review of your property - including date of construction, pre-vious owners and other information. All funds will go towards community projects.

� ��

HERITAGEMichael Fitzpatrick

RAMSAY SCHOOLBrian Del Castilho, Principal


A SPECIAL ANNIVERSARYCongratulations to Ron and Georgina Gresl, who are celebrat-ing their 50th wedding anniversary on September 11th, 2004. Ron was raised in Ramsay, and attended Ramsay School and Colonel Walker School. Georgina and Ron have lived all their married life in the Ramsay area, and raised their 3 children here. Great memories have been made in Ramsay. What a wonderful community and life. They continue to reside in Ramsay, and it is our belief that the community has been made a better place by their presence. Congratulations Mom and Dad, Love Ross, Rhonda and families, and loving con-gratulations from all your friends.

COLLECTIVE KITCHENSRamsay Collective Kitchens meets on an irregular basis at the hall to cook inexpensive meals for our families. By work-ing cooperatively, we can prepare a wide range of healthy and interesting meals for very little money. We are getting geared up to meet again in the fall. If you would like to join us, call Catherine at 263-0267.

IT’S CASINO TIME!Ramsay relies on the funds raised at the casino to support our hall and the various activities that we do in the community. We are pleased to announce our next casino will take place on February 24 and 25, 2005. We will be looking for volunteers to help us out over the two days. It’s easy work, and a fun way to meet people and help the community, so mark your calendar!

RENEW YOUR COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP TODAY!The membership year for the community is drawing to a close as of August 31st. For those who have not renewed their mem-bership as yet, you may do so at the next General Meeting held September 7th at 7PM.

Remember! In taking out a Ramsay Membership, you are effectively adding your voice, your participation, and your vote to your community. And more importantly, you are showing to City Hall that you care and are concerned about your com-munity of Ramsay.

STAMPEDE PARKING A HUGE SUCCESS!Once again, the Ramsay School Parent Council sponsored Stampede parking at the school and on the hill. Stampede patrons appreciated having a convenient and safe parking area close to the grounds and the fireworks. And the school stu-dents will appreciate the funds this important activity raised - over $15,000 – some of which will be put to good use towards

a new playground for the school. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped out!

JOIN US FOR THE 24TH ANNUAL TERRY FOX RUN!Sunday, September 19th, 2004 Eau Claire MarketRegistration – 9:00 amOpening Ceremonies – 10:00 amRun Start – 10:30 amFor more information: www.terryfoxrun.org or call 1-888-836-9786

SPEAKERS CORNERThis is your chance to be heard! Do you have a comment, an opinion, or an idea which is relevant to our community? Make a submission (no larger than a half page) to [email protected] and we will try to publish them. Please include your name and a contact number.

Community Tidbits

COMMUNITY CLASSIFIEDS

FOR SALE - Track Lighting - Beautiful pair of brand new track lighting from Robinson’s Bath and Lighting, brushed silver with blue glass. $130/pair. Call Jennie at 283-4180.

FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN – Ramsay School is pleased to offer full day kindergarten starting in the fall. To register, please call the school at 777-6790.

RAMSAY NEWS - The perfect way to communicate with your neighbours! With a circulation of 1200, the Ramsay News is a fun and affordable way to advertise your business. Contact [email protected] to enquire about ads.

KINDERGARTEN - St. Monica School is accepting registration for Kindergarten toGrade 9 students, 235 - 18 Ave. SW. Phone: 229-9447

CALLING ALL ARTISTS – Ramsay will be hosting our annual fall Harvest Table and Craft Sale in November. We are looking for people who would like to sell their art, crafts, baking, jams, and any other creative products. There is a small fee for each table. Call Brenda at 264-7137 if you want to participate.


READY… SET… GO!RUN for the CURE… October 3, 20041K walk or 5K run. Who will you run for?Join the Alexandra Centre Team and raise money for Breast Cancer research!Register at the Centre or on line.To register on line log on to cibcrunforthecure.com and be sure to register with “The Alexandra Centre” Team. Registration fee includes race package & T-Shirt. Those under 18 join in for free. Free T-shirts to children raising a mini-mum of $50 in pledges. Bring the family, bring the stroller, bring Rover, bring Rover in a stroller. Easy pick up of Race Packages at the Alexandra Centre Society. We can make a dif-ference. So what’s stopping you? For more information or to sponsor the team, call 269-5588

Food Addicts In Recovery Anonymous ProgramWednesday evenings and Saturday MorningsA FREE program based on 12-step recovery. This group sup-ports those suffering from overeating,anorexia, and bulimia as well as those who are concerned about a friend or relative.Saturday 10:00 am - 11:30 amWednesday 7:00 - 8:30pmAt the Alexandra Centre Society For more information? David or Lynda 532-0505

Doors Open CalgaryTour the Alexandra Centre Building September 25, 2004

Suzuki Music Early Childhood Teacher Trainingwith early childhood specialist, Dorothy Jones was a resounding success. 22 participants began the program leader training . Thank-you to Marge Patipatanakoon and Suzuki Talent Education for making this program a success.Drop by for a visit at our office on the Basement Level.

Suzuki Music Early Beginnings IChildren from 3 to 36 months and an adult. Rhythmic & Melodic AwarenessEarly Language Literacy SkillsMemory & Social SkillsClass size 8-12 children.

September 2004 – May 2005September 14 - November 30 ($95)*January 4 - March 22 ($95)*April 1 through May 31 ($65)*Pre-payment Rate $230 if paid by September 14, 2004Call 269-5588*Subsidy available for those who qualify.Minimum 8 registrants required.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITYAdministrator You are interested in working in a relaxed and friendly team atmosphere, have office experience and skills, and

would like to learn about commu-nity programming. Send us a resume or letter outlining your experience and why you would like to work with the Alexandra Centre Team.Drop off a letter outlining your skills to:Alexandra Centre Society922- 9 Ave. SE (basement) Fax 269-5868

CAR SHARING COOPERATIVE…6 participants needed. Interested? Call us 269-5588

ALEXANDRA CENTRE SOCIETY


Michael FitzpatrickI have long felt that one of my ideal

neighbours would have to be one with an agricultural background. So fortune shined on me back in 1998 when, after living in Ramsay for almost three years, I purchased a house on 10th Street, across from a quaint little children’s park. The neighbour’s yard was a huge plot of mature vegetables. I was home. Over the years I have had the pleasure of talking with John Sr. Diakoicz, Jerry, John Jr. and Jim about their experiences of growing up in Ramsay. Unfortunately, their mother passed away a few years back. Their family first came to Calgary in 1951, living in their aunt’s house across from the present day 7/11 store. The family then moved into their present house on 10th Street in 1958. While the sons and daughters have come and gone, the family has remained in the Ramsay area ever since.

The family came to Calgary from Poland, first traveling to Labrador where John Sr. worked briefly in the mines. They then went on to Montreal, and then to Calgary in 1951. John Sr. first worked for Canada Packers but the 98 cents an hour proved a bit inhibiting. He moved on to the City of Calgary where he worked for the electric department.

Jimmy, the youngest of the six children, is a proud graduate of Ramsay Elementary, Victoria Park, and Western Canada High. Needless to say, he has many, many, fond memories of growing up in Ramsay. Perhaps some people here still remember Cooper’s General Store, which was at 17th Avenue and 10th Street. They sold everything there, including food stuffs, clothing, you name it. And if you bought the store brand products, you could peel the label, put your name on the back, and enter it into a monthly draw for prizes. That was how Jimmy received his very first bike. (Seemed Dad was not going to spring for it!)

Needless to say, he has witnessed a number of changes to the area. This includes the old rail spur near 25th avenue which was used when the circus or the Stampede came to town, to take the train to the south end of the stampede grounds

and unload from there. That included the animals of course. And, most importantly, he remembers the number of families and children in the area. Everyone knew each other. And all the kids would turn the street and the park into a daily children’s free-for-all. Jerry (the older son), in particular, remembers every family he grew up with during the fifties and the sixties. While the seventies and eighties saw a number of families move out of the area, he admits that over the last 10 years the tide seems to have turned. He has noticed that families and kids are returning to Ramsay. And most importantly, that couples are moving into the area to start a family.

Presently, Jimmy works for the stampede in track maintenance and also as the starter for the harness racing. I certainly enjoy the proximity to such a wonderful family, not to mention receiving such excellent pickles and vegetables from their garden. My garden has never compared. So I’m growing berries only. Low maintenance, and you can’t see the weeds.

yay!summer

swelteringalone at home

car back on the roadchewing through car batteries

bike now needs a top end rebuildtwenty out of two hundred pages done

camping in the rainmmm... beer...

ramsay newsletter for september

815-3733

[email protected]

web design print

to thatch or de-thatch, that is the question

A Horticultural and Historical Perspective

The Cultural District’s popular First Thursday Crawl

spills out onto the street!

On Thursday September 2nd, the fabulous fall arts season in the Olympic Plaza Cultural District kicks off with our first ever Street Fair! It’s First Thursday INSIDE OUT, and you’ll find dozens of entertaining things to do INSIDE and OUT throughout the neighbourhood. From 4:30-7:30 pm, the fair fills 3 blocks of 8th Ave. from Olympic Plaza to 1st St. S.W. with great food, live performances, a ticket tent, lots of prizes and hands-on fun. After the fair, INSIDE events continue till after midnight. Head downtown Sept. 2nd for an evening jam-packed with surprises RAIN OR SHINE!

For further information, contact Shelly or Meg at 294-7455 ext. 1465, or go to

www.firstthursdays.ca


Do you have any concerns regarding safety or security in our neighbourhood? The Ramsay

Community Association has received a number of complaints regarding criminal activities. A number of concerned citizens are trying to start a Block Watch program in Ramsay, but so far have been unsuccessful. We will be meeting in early October, and the police and Block Watch representatives will be attending.

Our police representative, Constable Mike McNamara, has informed us that in late September the police will start a new system of patrolling. Officers are going to be assigned to communities, so they can get to know the area and the people liv-ing and working there. And they will also know the officers that they are working with better. It will be more like policing in a small town.

If you have concerns, or would like more infor-mation, please give me a call. Remember, if you see any criminal activity in our neighbourhood, call the police!

www.javajiveweekly.com1 403 830 JIVE (5483)

News from ARTPOINT

Upcoming Exhibitions:

Aug 25 - Sept 14 Special Places, Special Moments in Calgary and AreaJanice ByersOpening: Aug. 27, 5-9pm.

Sept 15 - Oct 12Revealing the Process, featuring Society artists. Opening: Sept 17, 5-9 pm. Featuring open studios, demos, and hands-on activities for all age groups during Artwalk, Sept 17-19 from 1-5pm each day.

October 22 Grand Opening Gala, 5 – 9 p.m.We have been busy at artpoint gallery over the summer work-ing on improvements inside the building and out! We are add-ing new studios as well as completing the Downstairs Gallery, a large ground level exhibition space where we can offer excit-ing new shows by our members and up-scale exhibitions from other art groups.

Starting in September, our opening hours are extended. We will open our doors and studios on Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays from 1-5 pm and Saturdays from 11 to 5 pm or by appointment.

SAFETY & SECURITYJanice Thoroughgood

Yoki & Jeff�s Real Estate Report Quarterly Report

April 2004 - Present

RAMSAY INGLEWOOD BRIDGELAND# of Sales

Avg. List Price

Avg. Sale Price

# of Sales

Avg. List Price

Avg. Sale Price

# of Sales

Avg. List Price

Avg. Sale Price

Bungalow 13 193,838 186,311 14 237,992 233,157 8 281,662 274,0931.5 Storey 3 208,266 205,000 3 212,966 206,333 3 247,933 237,0002 Storey 4 286,925 275,500 7 317,000 309,557 3 278,100 255,000Attach/Twnh - - - 18 225,010 221,085 7 189,720 187,056


Laurie Albright

Everyone wants their dog to be perfect – but how do we define perfect? There are as many different answers as there are people. I personally want a high-drive dog, who rarely sits still and who loves to play a rousing game of tug or fetch. My dogs would drive most pet-owners insane. Maybe Mom wants a small dog that likes to follow her around the house and sit on the couch with her while she reads – she’s not into my dog that keeps bringing her another toy!

Hopefully, before you chose your dog, you thought about the personality your “perfect dog” would have to fit your lifestyle. If you didn’t (and didn’t get just plain lucky), you’ll probably have to meet your dog somewhere in the middle. Regardless of personality types (yours and your dogs), there are two vital com-ponents to a perfect relationship between you and your dog - Trust and Respect. Neither of them will do it alone – you need both – going both ways.

Lets talk about respect first – that’s the easiest to build. First – respect your dog. Even the smallest dog comes equipped with a first rate self-defence weapon – a mouth full of sharp teeth. Respect that your dog could hurt you if he wanted to. Reality is that most dogs never choose to hurt anyone, regardless of provocation. Respect from your dog is based on con-sistency. The rule is the rule. If the dog is not allowed on the bed – he’s NEVER allowed on the bed. Or develop an “only with and invitation” rule, but be consistent!

Trust can sometimes be tougher to build. Most pup-pies come with a healthy amount of trust built in. But sometimes (especially if you’ve rescued an older dog), they may have lost that trust in humans. You can rebuild it, but you have to be determined to work at your dog’s pace and give him the time he needs.

The two rules for building trust are:

1) Cause no harm, neither physical nor emo-tional. Your dog needs to believe that it is safe to be around you, that you will not hurt him, and that you will return if you have to leave him alone. In

extreme cases, you may need a qualified trainer to help you turn your dog’s fear into trust.

2) Again, consistency. Your dog needs to feel confident that you won’t change the rules without warning. If you do need to change the rules for some reason, decide just what the new rule is to be, making sure everyone in the household is comfort-able with it and then go “cold turkey”. When the “new rule” comes into effect, it is 100% from that moment on. And be a little patient until your dog figures it out – he doesn’t understand your carefully worded explanation of why he’s no longer allowed to jump up and kiss great-aunt Suzanne… just because he now outweighs her…

Remember, be fair, be gentle, and be firm. If you can’t figure out how to get a behaviour from your dog – consult a professional trainer. Anything your dog is physically capable of doing, he can be taught to do!

Trust & Respect - or – How to Craft the Perfect Dog


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.

Garth Irvine – Zookeeper

Imagine getting to hang out with gorillas, cuddle a 12-foot, 200 pound rock python named Pebbles, and feed the dwarf crocodiles… these are just part of the weekly duties for Garth Irvine, a zookeeper in the African building at the Calgary Zoo.

Garth grew up in Edmonton and did his degree in Zoology at the University of Alberta. His first zoo job was at the West Edmonton mall, and he has a small scar as a souvenir of that job from an overly rambunctious playtime with a lion. Sixteen years ago he had the opportunity to join the Calgary Zoo, and he is proud of their reputation. This is one of the best zoos in the world, and a great place to work!

Becoming a zookeeper is a lengthy process. Garth started as a seasonal labourer, but was eventually accepted into the 4-year apprenticeship program. It’s hard to get in, because no one ever leaves! This intensive program includes 4-month rotations in each area of the zoo, as well as classwork, written papers and exams.

Now as a full-fledged zookeeper, Garth’s main responsibilities are the gorillas, some snakes, crocodiles and birds. The gorillas keep him busy on a daily basis. He does everything from clean-ing their space, including changing the configuration of their environment every day, to preparing their diets and feeding them. He is also actively involved in a training program. Here, he must develop a relationship and a level of trust with the animals, mostly so the animals can be examined to maintain their health. Garth’s favourite part of the job is the enrichment program. He is responsible for using his creativity to keep the animals entertained and challenged. One example is simply giving them some paper to play with – they love it, shred it, wrap it around themselves, and make it into nests!

Garth also has a related sideline to his zookeeping duties. During his holidays, he now acts as a tour leader and natural-ist for a small Bragg Creek company, Nature Encounters. He has led tours to Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Uganda. He loves Africa, and especially enjoys connecting with the knowl-edgeable local guides. Next year he will be leading two tours over six weeks: to see wildebeests in Kenya, mountain gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda, on a general safari in Zambia and on a canoe trip up the Zambesi.

When work is done, Garth enjoys taking his dog for lots of walks on the hill and by the river. He also creates beauti-ful stain glass windows, a hobby he learned at a shop in Inglewood. He has lived in Ramsay for three years, and loves being able to walk to work. He finds the people in our community extremely friendly – and enjoys knowing his neighbours. The only drawback to living in centrally-located Ramsay? I now drive so little that whenever I get into the car, I find myself suffering from road rage!

And what about that rock python? Garth doesn’t have as close a relationship with Pebbles, but he handles her regularly, and feeds her every Sunday at noon. She’s still a baby, only 2 and half years old, and she’s a bit of a fussy eater!

PEOPLE IN RAMSAYBeth Carter

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Ramsay News page 16

Newsletter ContributionsAny community member is welcome to contribute to this newsletter. The deadline for submissions for each upcoming month’s issue is the 20th of the preceding month. Please email your contributions, comments, and articles to:[email protected] drop it off at the Ramsay Community Hall, 1136 8 St SE

KEY POLICE CONTACTSIf you see crimes in the area, please contact the police by phone at 266-1234 or e-mail.Our community liaison officer is:: Const. Mike McNamara Badge #2679

The police in our area are:

Inspector Dan Jahrig Badge #1763

Sgt. Blair White Badge # 2783

Staff Sgt. Dean Stobo # 2519

To e-mail any police officer the address is: pol(badge #)@calgarypolice.ca (eg. to e-mail Mike McNamara, [email protected]).EMERGENCY: 911

ADVER T IS INGAd size Per monthbusiness 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 20th of each month.

Ramsay Community BLOCK WATCHFor More InformationCallTeresa Young263-7127

Ramsay Community ContactsRamsay Community Hall & Ramsay Community Association 1136 - 8th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2G 2Z7

Phone: 403.265.4898 (please leave a message)•Fax: 403.265.4858Ramsay Community Website: www.ramsaycommunity.ab.caRamsay Community email: [email protected] Newsletter email: [email protected] website: [email protected]

SEPTEMBER 2004Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2First Thursdays

3 4

5 6LABOUR DAY

7School Starts

RCA Annual General Meeting &ELECTIONS7 p.m.

8

9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16School Council Meeting7 p.m.

17Artwalk

18 COMMUNITY CLEAN UP

Artwalk

19Artwalk

Terry Fox Run

20 21RCA Board Meeting7 p.m.

22 23 24 25Doors Open Calgary

26 27 28 29 30 October 1 2

3Run for the Cure

4 5RCA General Meeting 7 p.m.

6 7 8 9

Disclaimer Statement The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Ramsay Community Association.

RCA Newsletter 2004-09v2 - Ramsayramsaycalgary.ca/site-archive/newsletter/NewsletterSept2004.pdf ·...

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