Current News

…as of Saturday, February 20, 2021

Hillside Safety while tobogganing

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) would like to remind parents and children of some basic toboggan/sledding safety tips. Everyone can be safe and still have fun on the toboggan hill by following these simple reminders.

Use the right Equipment

• Always ensure your toboggan or sledding device is in good repair. Inspect it for any damaged or missing parts before each use
• Be certain the operator is fully capable of staying in control of the sled at all times
• Children should wear a certified, properly fitted helmet designed for other high impact sports such as hockey, cycling, or climbing

Be prepared

• Dress warmly in layers and anticipate weather changes
• Consider bringing extra sets of gloves and toques to exchange wet garments for dry ones
• Take breaks, out of the cold, to warm up
• Ensure frostbite hasn’t affected any exposed skin
• Even when properly protected from the elements, the finger tips, toes, ears, the tip of the nose, and other high points on the face such as the forehead and cheek bones can be affected by frostbite
• If frost bite has occurred, treat it by first removing the individual out of the cold environment
Gently warm the affected skin by placing a warm hand over it, or by placing the affected part in warm, not hot, water, until re-warmed.

Measuring Air Quality for the Alberta Capital Airshed

We were invited to participate in a program for monitoring the air quality across Edmonton using a device mounted on our roof. It's a constantly monitoring sensor which feeds into an increasing number of locations across the city, sending data to an online map where you can investigate the quality of our air and compare it to other locations, as well as other jurisdictions, and even other countries.

Have a peek at what our readings are by visiting; Capital Airshed Map and learn more by looking around their web site. You can also see a 10-level Air Quality Index for each location to compare. The site also includes links to other regions and see what they're experiencing. To view the "Purple Air" map for this area check in at: Purple Air's Real Time map.

The Argyll Snowbank skating rink is Open for casual skating

Good conditions have returned for public skating

Signs are posted describing the restrictions for skating

Each year we attempt to defy the weather and lay down a small skating rink for local residents. We make it for those who would like to teach small children to skate and for those who just want to circle around and keep their rhythm. Helmets are recommended for children under the age of 15.

A special thank you to the volunteers who are maintaining the ice. Their work is very much appreciated. Families across our neighbourhood have been looking forward to having a rink this year.

As with everything this winter – involving contact with other people – there will be restrictions on use and activity levels. Please follow the AHS guidelines on display for activity limits and report problems with the rink to the number on the sign.

Please be mindful of the safety guidelines and share the rink with all visitors. The user limits operate under two definitions. The first is for cohort groups and organized activities. This kind of activity has a 10 person limit and should avoid interacting outside their group. But for general, and unstructured activity by families mixing with individuals the limit is 20 people at the same time. The AHS requirements specify that "group" activity be limited to 10 and wider use of the rink be limited by the size of the rink. Our rink is larger this year to accommodate the restrictions and allows for 20 people as a maximum capacity for casual skating. Try and be aware of other people when entering and leaving the rink surface to maintain a safe distance from anyone outside your family group.

There are NO indoor facilities available at any time.

Maintenance of the rink is provided by volunteers. Please respect their work by not damaging the rink surface or the playground areas adjacent to the rink. No games or hockey sticks are allowed at any time.

The rink is normally unsupervised and all users are responsible for their own safety. With the COVID-19 restrictions there may be volunteers on hand who may be monitoring activity to ensure everyone's safety. All questions or concerns should be directed to the phone number on the signs at the rink when skating is permitted. Night skating is not permitted and, if reported to Peace Officers, there will be a considerable fine.

All indoor community activity is still suspended

Yoga and other programming may resume when requirements allow

As you've probably seen, no use of the community hall is permitted under the current restrictions for indoor activity. Sport and fitness activities will be suspended until conditions change in our region. We continue to NOT allow for outside rentals and are monitoring for when risk factors, which may change these guidelines, are revised by AHS and the City of Edmonton.

Argyll's collective response to the situation will continue. Our COVID Response Team still operates for anyone needing some help with things. I continue to encourage everyone to reach out to your neighbours and stay in contact with them so we don't find anyone feeling alone, or who may need assistance. Sometimes just knowing there are people around us willing to help is a comfort to people.

Fortunately Argyll Community League has not experienced income difficulties, which many other leagues have reported. We've been fortunate to keep costs down and already have held our Casino in early 2020, so our finances are still good for the coming year. We will, of course, experience a drop in revenue from outside rentals for the foreseeable future.

Continue to Watch: Alberta Health Services for updates on their web site with details and for dealing with worried children or adults. I recommend having a bookmark of the AHS site on your favourite browser to consult for their evolving response. AHS

Canada's Blood Service needs your help

The need for blood and blood products increases every day, with someone needing blood every 60 seconds. Due to the impact of Covid-19, Canadian Blood Services are struggling to keep up with demand and have 20,500 more appointments to fill over the next month. They are asking the public for help fulfilling this need.

What you need to know about blood donation

Blood and blood products are a critical part of everyday medical care. Blood donations help patients undergo major surgeries, routine medical procedures, cancer treatments, and much more. Everything Canadian Blood Services do to help patients in Canada depends on donors. Blood donors are essential to Canada’s Lifeline.

The need for blood is constant. Each year, over 100,000 new blood donors are needed to ensure patients have reliable access, where and when they need it. If you are in good health, book now at blood.ca, on the GiveBlood app or call 1 888 2 DONATE (1.888.236.6283).

Argyll YOGA

Classes are suspended until further notice

Yoga for Strength, Alignment and Flexibility

Wednesdays 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM in the Main Hall for distancing.

This programme is instructed by Renee Giammarioli, a Physiotherapist and YAA Certified Hatha yoga instructor. Renee blends both easy and challenging poses, flow sequences and mindfulness meditation practice into each class. The class is geared towards increasing your body awareness, stretching out chronically tight muscles, for improving postural alignment and increasing awareness of the breath. Core strength and overall body strengthening will also be challenged. Renee is skilled at adapting the yoga practice for people with an injury or limitation, using props and adaptations as required. Feel free to contact Renee at 780.903.1911 to be registered.

Argyll Community is pleased to be able to present this Hatha Yoga Programme to both residents and the general public. Classes are held during winter and spring (in the main hall) each Wednesday evening from 7:30 — 9:00 PM.

We limit the class to 12 students. Contact Renee if you are planning to register. Also be sure to let her know if you have a recent injury or some physical limitations.

The Jammers

This programme has been suspended until further notice

Each week a group of musicians spend a little time together playing songs and keeping time. They meet on Thursdays from Noon until 3:00 PM in the main hall of the Argyll Community Centre. They welcome any instrument you are willing to jam with. Electric and Acoustic instruments are both welcome.

If you want to sit-in on what they get up to each week, then contact Ken by phone and get the details for their next jam. You can come and sing, play along or just relax and enjoy the music. Call Ken 780.466.8127 for more information. There is a $2.00 fee for use of the hall.

Where can I sign up for e-mail notices of your social events?

Our mailing address is:
Argyll CL Social Events
6750 88 Street
Edmonton, AB T6E 5H6
Canada

Or you can sign up for our e-mail news service where you get notices into your inbox electronically.

There is more local information on our Contact page.