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!!!