Annual Meeting, October 7, 2014

At the Annual Meeting of the Meadowgreen Community Association, community members listened to Danielle Chartier, MLA Riversdale, explain her role as a Member of the Legislative Assembly.  She also talked about her role at the critic for the Health portfolio, Seniors portfolio and the Status of Women.  Danielle also gave us an overview of the work that she does on behalf of Riversdale constituents.  Her energy and enthusiasm for the work she does and the long hours was noted.  Danielle encouraged people to contact her office if there are concerns that she might help address.  She also noted that most of her work helping constituents is done behind the scenes and going to the media is a last resort and only if people consent.
As well Marina Melchiorre, Transportation Infrastructure Engineer with the City of Saskatoon was present.  She wanted to hear from residents about their issues and use of the 18th Street/Circle Drive pedestrian underpass.  If you have anything you wish her to address, she is working on a report for City Council on the underpass, please contact her at the City.  Many other traffic issues were brought up and Marina encouraged us to use the City's website under Traffic and file a report so that our concerns are addressed.
Other community issues brought up were the strip mall on 18th and Ave W and snow removal.
The executive reported on a number of events and programs: soccer, rink, community clean-up, community fair etc.  The executive was acclaimed with one additional person volunteering from the floor.

Meadowgreen 31st AGM, Oct. 7, 2014

On Tuesday, Oct. 7th Meadowgreen community members are encouraged to attend the meeting as  RiversdaleMLA, Danielle Chartier will be in attendance to speak and answer questions.  Another issue that will be discussed is the pedestrian tunnel (Under Circle Drive) at the end of 18th Street.  Any community members who have any experience with the tunnel are encouraged to attend and give their first-hand experiences to the City Engineer in attendance at the meeting.

The Community Association will present overview its operation for the past year and hold election for the coming year. For more information, contact Pat at  306 382-6514.

Meadowgreen Bottle Drive - Sept. 15 - Sept. 22nd, 2013

Meadowgreen Community Association will be hosting a bottle drive on Sunday, Sept. 15 running thru Sunday, Sept. 22nd.  Please donate your recyclable bottle to help the Community Association run its programs in the community from the rink in the winter, community clean-up, Community Fair and Community Garage Sale.

We could use your help with canvassing the neighborhood whether it is helping out the children or driving your vehicle to collect bottles.  If you are available either Sundays, please contact Pat at 382-6514.

Meadowgreen Fair enjoys Fabulous Weather

The Meadowgreen Fair was fantastic!  The event was blessed with fabulous weather and it was a perfect day for a barbeque. Over 700 people attended the fair and they enjoyed great entertainment including the W.P. Bate School Jiggers, Hula Hoopster, Beeper the Clown and the Saskatoon Juggling Club.
A big attraction was the Western Development's Caliope that provided music for the crowd to enjoy. The Caliope, a steam organ, is only one of two in Canada.  It originates from the late 1800's to the early 1930s when steam organs were common place.
There were a lot of informational displays that people could view as well including Aids Saskatoon, The Society for the Prevention of Handicaps, The Community Health Nurse, The Immigrant Women of Saskatoon, Saskatoon Crime Free Housing, and other vendors.
The Saskatoon Police Department were also in attendance and people could view their cruiser.
There were lots of children sporting face paint done by the talented SCYAP artists.  Beeper the Clown did an amazing job with balloon animals and many children enjoyed the Art Caravan provided by the Mendel Art Gallery.
The Meadowgreen Community Association would like to thank all the volunteers for their help!  Special acknowledgement goes to the Meadowgreen House of all Nations for their awesome work barbequing and the donation of meat and Saskatchewan Lotteries for the Community Grant which helps support the event!

Meadowgreen Clean-up!

Meadowgreen is green and clean! Let's all do our part!  The Meadowgreen community clean-up was to take place on April 21st as part of the Earth Day Celebrations but it seems that the weather has other ideas with still three feet of snow along the roads and puddles everywhere you look.

As the snow melts and your road dries out we hope you will join your neighbors and friends and clean-up your part of Meadowgreen.  See you all soon making Meadowgreen green and clean!

Rink and everything else that hasn't been said

What has been going on?  The rink is up and going after much concern and discussion on the part of the Board of Directors.  A big thank you goes out to Bryan Austin and the youth that are involved from Eagle Nest.  Thank you!!!

The rink shack is open Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m.  This time is reserved primary for public skating - which means that skaters have first priority.  If there are no skaters - shinny can take place.

Public Skating is canceled if the weather is -31 or colder or if the temperature and wind chill make the temperature colder than - 31.

MCA Meeting, October 16, 2012

The MCA Executive for 2012 - 2013 met on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 to discuss the upcoming year.  The Executive will continue to meet on the 3rd Tuesday of the month and community members are welcome to come and listen, join or voice their community concerns.  The schedule is the following: Nov. 13; Dec. 11; Jan. 15; Feb. 12; March 19; April 16; May 14; June 11; Sept. 3; Sept. 24 and Oct. 1 is the Annual General Meeting.  If you would like more information, please contact Pat at 382-6514 or any Executive member.

The following events are planned for the upcoming year:  Meadowgreen Clean-up - April 21; Meadowgreen Fair and BBQ - May 28 and Meadowgreen Garage Sale - June 1. A rink fundraiser will be planned for Sept. 14th to the 22nd, 2013.

Outdoor Soccer Registration for children 3 to 10 years old will take place in February - likely Feb. 26th and, yes, we know you aren't thinking about spring activities yet - but that is the likely timeframe to get teams in place.

The following positions are vacant on the Community Association: Vice-President; Newsletter Editor; Newsletter Distribution; Rink Coordinator and Newsletter Distribution.  If you would like to get involved and have some time to help out your community please call Pat at 382-6514 or any Executive member.

Citizen Patrol walks Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012

This Sunday, the Meadowgreen Citizen Patrol will walk our community from 2 to 4 p.m.  The Citizen Patrol is a Saskatoon Police Force initiative in which citizens take the initiative to know their community better and to report any suspicious activity.  Rose Marie Wutke is the coordinator and she can be reached at 934-1109 if you would like more information or would like to volunteer.  Citizen Patrol volunteers will meet at W.P. Bate School this Sunday at 2 p.m. to begin the patrol.  You are welcome to come out and join us!

Meadowgreen Community Association AGM

On October 2nd the Meadowgreen Community Association held its Annual General Meeting.  Inspector Yuzdepski,Central Division, Saskatoon Police Department was on hand to discuss how to reduce break and enters into homes and thefts from vehicles.  He noted that property crimes in Meadowgreen are down 15% over the past five years.  Inspector Yuzdepski encouraged people to ensure that their home looked lived in, to know their neighbors and to keep valuables out of sight (close your curtains at night so people don't see your large screen tv).  He also encouraged people to call the Saskatoon Police to report crimes or things that look suspicious (like kids trying car door handles) since even if the police don't show up they are driven by crime statistics.  That means that the more calls an area receives the more that they are likely to patrol that area.  The discussion on all kinds of issues in the community were discussed and Inspector Yuzdepski encouraged people to contact Bob Roy, Community Watch Director if they had any concerns.  Bob sits on the Central Districts Community Committee which discusses issues that affect the neighborshoods from the river to Circle Drive and 11th Street to 33rd Street. Inspector Yuzdepski was thanked for coming out on his 2nd day on the job by Pat Tymchatyn, President.
The Annual General Meeting was called to order at 7:45 by Pat and Hannah Chukwu was appointed secretary.  The minutes were accepted from the November 3rd, 2011 meeting and the financial review was given by Vicki Roy.
Pat noted that Meadowgreen has many talented people and what does it take to get them involved in the Community Association.  The Executive was elected for 2012 - 2013
President - Pat Tymchatyn
Vice-President - vacant
Treasurer - Vicki Roy
Secretary - Hannah Chukwu
Civics Director - Rina Velkenkamp
Senior Director - Mike Murgul
Program Director - Yvonne Boehr
Newsletter Editor - vacant
Newsletter Distributor - vacant
Housing Director - vacant
Community Watch Director- Bob Roy
Rink Director - vacant
Rose Marie Wutke volunteered to continue on in trying to establish a Citizen Patrol in Meadowgreen.

People discussed what it would take to get others involved in their community.  The importance of finding people to work on the rink was emphasized as keeping the rink going is an important community initiative. If you know someone interested in either supervising the rink or working o n the rink please let an Executive member know.  The meeting was closed by the President at 8:45 p.m.

If you are interested in working on the Executive you are encouraged to contact Pat at 382-6514 or tymchatyn@shaw.ca.

Community Campaign to Raise Funds this fall

The Meadowgreen Community Association Directors met on June 12, 2012 to review the Meadowgreen Fair and BBQ and to discuss future plans. On the whole the Directors were happy with the fact that the BBQ food line-up ran smoothly and that there weren't long line-ups like we faced in the past couple of years.  The entertainment was great and everyone enjoyed seeing the Saskaton Fire truck and Saskatoon Police car.  There will be more of an effort next year to attract vendors for the display tables inside in the Community Room as it is a great event.
This fall a door-to-door campaign will be undertaken to raise funds for the Meadowgreen Community Association Ice Rink on the corner of Ave X and 18th Street.  It is hoped that Meadowgreen residents see the importance of the rink to the community from a great place for youngsters to learn how to skate, to the many hours some of the kids spend playing shinny.  Moreover active kids are kids that do better in school and are not as likely to get into trouble.  The Community Association "Support our Community Rink" campaign will take place on Sunday, September 16, 2012.  We hope that you will help our children have a community rink this winter.
The 22nd Street sign is also going ahead this summer but with a revised design to reduce costs.  The sign will be built with bricks and not stone and likely will be smaller in size. Stay tuned for more details.

Meadowgreen Fair and BBQ enjoys sunshine!

After two days of rain, sunshine came to the community of Meadowgreen and friends and neighbors enjoyed the Meadowgreen Fair and BBQ on May 29th, 2012. Over 480 people of all ages came out to enjoy the activities!  The jugglers from the Saskatoon Juggling Club were a crowd pleaser and some of the kids tried their hand at juggling.

Many of the kids enjoyed the jousting jumper from Apollo Games.  While everyone enjoyed watching the jousting I think the participants had the most fun if measured in smiles and laughter.  It was a winner with the older kids and teenagers while the car jumper was a success with the younger crowd.

Roger Boucher from Watching Eye Magic had the crowd's attention as he performed his magic tricks.  There were a number of kids who tried to figure out his magic tricks and participated in his magic.  Sylvia from Singing with Sylvia charmed the children with her singing show.

The line-up was long for the face painting done by SCYAP volunteers. Close to 190 children were thrilled to have their faces or hands painted.  We saw tigers, cats, flowers and other wonderful designs.  SCYAP was a great addition to our event.

In addition to all the activities, the Saskatoon Fire Department came out with their fire truck and lots of people were thrilled to climb up and take a look at all the gadgets.  The Saskatoon Police were also in attendance along with the bike patrol.  Young and older enjoyed the interaction and information from the officers. Danielle Chartier, Riversdale's MLA was on hand with her daughter to take part in the festivities and brought greetings.

Meadowgreen Community Association thanks Saskatchewan Lotteries for funding.  The House of All Nations for their donation of hamburgers and buns as well as all their volunteer help.  CHEP for the donation watermelons and for their help in securing juice boxes. A big thank you to the Executive members who helped out and brought out their friends and neighbors to put on the event.  PBR Auctions for their donation of a Tablet for the Draw and the tables for the event. A big thank you to everyone who came out and participated and made this year's fair a huge success!



Meadowgreen Fair and BBq, May 29th

Come out to the Meadowgreen Fair and BBQ on Tuesday, May 29th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Meadowgreen Park (Ave Y and 18th Street West).  The event will take place in the adjacent school if it rains.

This year Sylvia, a children's entertainer, will be performing at 5 p.m. with Watching Eye Magic following.  Don't miss the excitement of the Saskatoon Juggling Club as well.  Something for everyone.

There will be hamburgers and hot dogs and lots of watermelon to quench your hunger.  As well, SCYAP will be face-painting, Appollo Jump will provide jumpers and the Mendel Art Caravan will have children's activities.

Do check out the displays in the Community Room and be sure to enter our door prize draw.

Come out and enjoy the entertainment.  Funding provided by Saskatchewan Lotteries and Meadowgreen Community Association.

Community Clean-up Canceled - May 6, 2012

The Commmunity Clean-up scheduled for today is canceled due to the weather.  Who would believe it would rain for 24 hours?  Hope to see the sun shine soon!

Executive Meeting Feb. 28, 2012

The Executive discussed a number of community items at the MCA meeting.
Fundraising is a priority to raise money for the Community Fair and Barbeque in the spring as well as to fund a Meadowgreen sign on the corner of 22nd Street and Witney Avenue. Community members will be asked to purchase tickets to support the project in the coming month.
Soccer registration has begun, if your child wishes to play in the Saskatoon outdoor soccer league please contact Yvonne at 955-0035 asap. Children ages 3 to 10 are able to play in this league.
March 20th is the Community meeting to discuss Citizen Patrol/Crime and the South Circle Drive/11th Street/ Bridge. Residents are invited to attend the meeting at W.P. Bate School at 7 p.m. in the Community Room to hear from the Saskatoon Police and the City's Infrastructure Services people.
Graffitti in Meadowgreen is on the rise. Citizens are reminded to first photograph the graffitti and then clean it off their property. The Police want citizens to report all incidents of graffitti. It is important to remove tags immediately as this is how gangs establish their territory by tagging the area with their colors/name etc. If you think something is happening in our community that should be reported to the Police please contact Bob as he is our representative on the Saskatoon Police Community Committee for Central Division.

Outdoor Soccer Registration, February 28, 2012

It is snowing outside but it is time to start thinking about spring - and that means soccer. Children ages 3 to 10 may register for soccer on February 28th from 5 to 7 p.m. at W. P. Bate School, 2500 18th Street West. Children playing with Meadowgreen teams are part of Saskatoon Youth Soccer and thus will be playing in Meadowgreen and other communities in the City. Parents will need to transport their children to games once a week in May and June. There will also be a soccer practice once a week and the day will depend on the team's coach. Soccer begins May 1st (weather permitting) and ends the last week in June.

Soccer Registration fees stay the same as last year Under 6 and Under 8 at $50 per child and Under 10 registration fee is $65. Please note that soccer fees may be covered by applying for Kids Sport funding. For more information about Meadowgreen soccer or to volunteer to help, please contact Yvonne at 955-0035.

Crime / Community Meeting, November 3rd, 2011

Approximately 30 community minded citizens attended the Community meeting at W.P. Bate School on November 3rd. Inspector Ballard, Central Division and Sgt. Borassa were in attendance and gave those in attendance an overview of what was happening in Central Division and in Meadowgreen in particular.

Inspector Ballard stated that there was a decrease in crime in Meadowgreen over the past five years 30%. In numbers that translates to 60 less violent crime calls and 120 less calls regarding property. This year-to-date we are at 20% less crime overall although there is a 13% increase in property crime and the city overall has seen an increase in stolen automobiles. As well there is an increase in willful damage to cars. The analysis of auto thefts it was noted that in 40% of the crimes the owners either left the car running or left a key hidden in the car. Inspector Ballard said it was clear regarding what we might do to reduce this crime - no cars left running unlocked and no keys left in a car no matter how well hidden. As well don't leave any valuables in the car including parking meter change. A tag was left with residents to put in their car window saying, " No valuables inside!"

Inspector Ballard also stated that while there is an increase in graffitti incidents it was because more people were reporting the incidences as well as the Police being more proactive in soliciting more information. It was noted that you can now report these types of incidences on-line at the police website. It was noted that if you get the license plate of someone speeding you are encouraged to call in the license plate. If this is an on-going event then speak to the traffic person - Sgt. Grant Obst. As well this is the same if you see someone talking on a cell phone or running a red light - note down the license plate and call it in to the Police at 975-8300.

Counsellor Lorje was also present at the meeting and community members talked about the condition of backalleys, crime in the walkway tunnels, crossing 22nd Street and the general increase in traffic on Witney Avenue and 20th Street.

The Community Association Annual Meeting was held and reports were given by executive members. Program Director Yvonne Boehr stated that Outdoor Soccer for children 3 to 10 years of age was successful with 55 kids in four different teams. The Housing Coordinator, Jerry Bartzen was not in attendance but he was responsible for reporting houses that needed to be tended to. Bob Roy, Community Watch sits on the Central Division Community Committee and reports community incidents to the Police. Peter Kozakavich was not present due to a health issue but ensured that the City approved the Bate Cairn and took good care of the Meadowgreen rink. Gordon Wensley, Vice President, said the community had its up and downs and that he was stepping down for younger blood to step up. Pat Tymchatyn, President, reported on the overall accomplishments of the Association for the past year including the highest attendance at the Community Fair with 603 people attending, a Community Clean-up event in the spring and the fact the W.P. Bate Cairn has actually been built in Dutchak Park and that we are waiting for the commemorative plaque to arrive from Edmonton.

Elections were held. The Executive for 2011-2011 is as follows:

President Pat Tymchatyn

Vice-President vacant

Civics Director Rina Veltkamp

Treasurer vacant

Secretary vacant

Community Watch Coordinator Bob Roy

Rink Coordinator Peter Kozakavich

Newsletter Editor Brad Peters

Program Director Yvonne Boehr

Housing Coordinator Director vacant

Newsletter Distribution Rosemari Wutke

Seniors Coordinator vacant

A call was put out for volunteers for the Community Fair and two people volunteered. If you wish to be involved in that committee please call Pat at 382-6514

Newsletter volunteers are needed for Ave Y and Witney Avenue.

The meeting ended at 9:00 p.m.

Crime/Community Meeting, November 3rd, 2011

The Meadowgreen Community Association will be holding a Crime/Community Meeting on November 3rd at 7 p.m. at W.P. Bate School in the Meadowgreen Community Room (go east as you come in the main doors). Inspector Ballard, Central Division, will be speaking about the activity in our area (graffitti, mischief, break and enters etc.). We will be able to gain an idea as to what has been happening in the community over the past five years as well as what we as community members are able to do. Please bring your concerns and observations to this important meeting.

As well the Community Association will report on its work for the past year. New executive members are needed and thus if you are interested in making our Community even better please volunteer. If you require more information call Pat at 382-6514.

June Community Association Meeting

On June 14th the Meadowgreen Community Association met. The Executive discussed the very successful Community Fair which over 600 people attended. A big thank you to all the volunteers who came out and helped us put on this successful community event.

Plans are underway to install the W.P. Bate marker in Cahill Park this summer - stayed tuned! Work is still underway on the Meadowgreen Sign more information will be coming. Fundraising will be happening in the fall to raise funds for the sign.
A big thank you to the Meadowgreen Soccer coaches who have had a very successful season. A thank you as well to the parents and everyone who helped out with the soccer season.

Meadowgreen Garage Sale goes on despite the cold

On Saturday June 4th Meadowgreen residents braved the cold and wind to hold a successful community garage sale. There were sales on every block and many great deals! I know - since - I came home with a few items. A big thank you to the community members who got into the spirit selling hot dogs and hamburgers along with some that gave away free coffee.

Meadowgreen Fair a smashing success!!!

Over 600 people came out to enjoy the Meadowgreen Community Association's Community Barbeque and Fair on May 31st, 2011. After a few raindrops, the displayers moved indoors then the sun came out and it was an enjoyable evening. The mosquitoes held out until we were taking down. The House of All Nations supplied hamburgers for the event and their volunteers seen here spent the evening cooking them. A big thank you goes out to them for their participation. As well a big thank you to Peter and the many Meadowgreen volunteers who were in the kitchen preparing the hotdogs and wrapping hot dogs and hamburgers. Over 600 hamburgers and 300 hotdogs were eaten. A hungry crowd!

Lots of activities took place. Below is the Jousting Arena which was a big hit with the strong and mighty youth who tried to knock each other off the jousting pedestals. The line-ups were long and thanks to the volunteers and Gordon for sorting out who was taking part when. What a success!
For the creative persons in the crowd the Mendel Art Caravan was a welcome addition. The artists in the crowd spent time on creating master pieces to take home and all ages enjoyed the activity.

A magic act by Beeper the Clown kept everyone enthralled. Then Beeper was the most popular clown as she made hundreds of balloon animals for children to take home. Wow Beeper you sure can do those animals fast. Every child was thrilled with their creation!

While people waited for their food there was the Saskatoon Jugging Club to watch. As well James Steele, the North American Grand Champion Fiddler performed along with Lionel Goldenson. It was a crowd pleasing performance. There were displays from many community groups in the Community Room including the Nursing Students, the Saskatoon Health Region, the House of All Nations etc. Thank you for coming out and participating in our event!

A few people were even seen texting their friends to come out and enjoy the event!

There were some enthusiastic youth who joined the Saskatoon Juggling Club for some personal tutoring on how to get going on the stilts, juggling and unicycle. Watch out for juggling youth on our streets as the performers were a big hit! At the end of the evening Holly was the proud winner of the Laptop donated by PBR Auction. Thanks to everyone who came and entered the draw.

A big thank you goes out to the Meadowgreen Community Association members who put in many hours trying to make sure this event went off without a hitch! As well a big thank you to our volunteer from British Columbia who came for a visit to her friend who moved to Meadowgreen in the fall and did a great job helping us out. Also a big thank you to the Open Door volunteers who helped us out! Great job everyone!!!