Boyle McCauley News

New Website

2011-03-01T16:25:00.000-08:00

The crew here at Boyle McCauley News is very excited to announce that we have a new website! Visit bmcnews.org for an electronic version of the paper, searchable archive of all of the papers from our 32-year history, photo galleries, and more!

Part of the reason we started this blog was to keep the community informed of when a new issue was out, and what was going on in between issues. The new website now fills that roll, so we really won't be posting here all that often anymore. However, we will still be posting on Twitter and Facebook.

February 2011 Online

2011-02-11T13:41:00.000-08:00

Our first issue of 2011 is now online. Here is a look at just some of what's inside:

* Mary Burlie Park May Go
* Open East Edmonton Health Centre
* Seeking McCauley Balance
* McCauley Connect Coffeehouse Premiers
* Our Volunteers - Alistair Henning
* McCauley Cup and Family Day Celebrations
* Grand Manor Open House
* Cop’s Corner: Vacation Preparation
* Getting Animated About McCauley
* The Aging Brain
* Escape to Morocco
* Letters To The Editor
* Community League Updates

You can download the entire February 2011 issue as a PDF here.

A McCauley Winter Wonderland

2011-02-11T13:38:00.001-08:00

Last Saturday, I realized that my snow boots are not waterproof as I slogged through the slushy mess that was Chinatown and Giovanni Caboto Park. I endured hours of wet socks tormenting my cold, cramping feet (no doubt a leading factor in the flu that hit me this week).

But it was worth it (although I could definitely have lived without the flu part). The Lunar New Year celebrations in Chinatown were spectacular as always - loud and colourful. I especially enjoy the dragon and lion dances, and once again, my eardrums popped when the firecrackers were set off (I keep forgetting to bring earplugs). There were other Lunar New Year celebrations at indoor locations in Edmonton, but there is nothing like being outside in the winter right in Chinatown watching the community celebrate. Here are photos that I took as well as videos of the dragon dance, lion dance, and a business being blessed (listen to those loud firecrackers!).

Then, after a bowl of pho to warm up, it was over a few blocks to Giovanni Caboto Park to take in Common Ground. Common Ground was part of the Winter Light Festival, and featured a transformation of the park. Most of the snow was cleared away into huge windrows (which were being used as sled hills by children), with a Heritage Village with teepees, snowshoeing, African drumming, and more. In the evening, the park was alight with coloured lights and lanterns, and finished off with a community feast. Common Ground celebrated the different cultures represented in the McCauley area - Chinese, Italian, Aboriginal, and African - and demonstrated how much we have to learn from each other. Here are some photos.

So, last Saturday I indeed felt as though I walked through a winter wonderland. However, next time I think I will bring galoshes and a change of socks.

Getting Animated About McCauley

2010-12-28T10:35:00.000-08:00

Group Shot
Originally uploaded by raise my voice

From September to the end of December 2010, I was contracted by Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) as a Community Animator in McCauley. AHC is a non-profit organization that supports community development by equipping community members to develop Community Initiatives. Through this process, leadership and capacity amongst community members is developed, leading to initiatives that enhance the overall health of the community.

My role as a Community Animator included working directly with a small group of community members to develop initiatives; serve as a facilitator to connect people with resources and information; and, to foster discussions and dialogues about issues of concern.

The first month of my contract was spent mostly doing research and fact-finding, including meeting with several community members individually as well as Jane Molstad, McCauley’s Revitalization Coordinator. An email list was established as an easy way to send out announcements and gather information. As well, a Facebook page for McCauley Community Animation was created also to disseminate information and act as a discussion forum.

Early in October, myself and two other representatives from AHC met with three community members: Gary Garrison, Wendy Aasen, and Anna Bubel. The purpose of this community dialogue was to identify areas of concern for residents, discuss possible initiatives, and clarify AHC’s role in the process.

One of the first initiatives stemmed from conversations I had with Gary Garrison, who was looking to organize a coffeehouse that would connect artists, writers, poets, and musicians. The challenges were the general organization of the event and finding a suitable space. A preliminary meeting using the Boyle McCauley News office was not successful. However, after connecting community members with Revitalization as well as people involved with the Heart of the City Festival, the first McCauley Connect Coffeehouse was born.

The McCauley Connect Coffeehouse took place on December 4 at McCauley Centre (formerly McCauley School). The evening featured live music performances on a professional sound stage, beautifully decorated tables with a winter theme, and free snacks courtesy of Multicultural Health Brokers. Gary Garrison served as MC. It was a modest start of what will hopefully be more coffeehouses in the future. In fact, two more are scheduled for February 19 and March 19, with the tentative location of the school. The long-term goal is for a permanent facility for artists to mingle over coffee, have live performances, and showcase their work akin to The Carrot on Alberta Avenue.

The other initiative stems from the fact that Church Street was recently designated a historical resource by the City. What better way to celebrate than having a street dance and moveable feast/potluck along 96 Street. Colleen Chapman (BMC News' other Volunteer Coordinator) is organizing this event which is tentatively anticipated to take place in July. She already has several of the major churches on board and a DJ for the dance. If you are interested in helping out, you can contact Colleen care of the paper.

All of the Community Animators with AHC periodically met together as a group. At our final meeting, we discussed what we learned the most personally from our experience as Community Animators. I said that my knowledge was reinforced of how much capacity, ideas, and talent there is in McCauley. I also said that I did my very best to actually listen to what people were telling me and do the best I could to answer people's questions and take seriously their concerns, even if there was nothing I could immediately do about these particular issues or requests. This is the kind of respect McCauley needs from all parties who do consultations and development activities in the community, otherwise it just becomes a top-down, empty exercise.

Being a Community Animator was also a great networking opportunity for my work with Boyle McCauley News. I met Clara Gladue, another Animator in McCauley, who now writes the Aboriginal-themes column Drum Beats. I also met an Animator from the local Salvadoran community who lives in Boyle Street, who may also be interested in contributing to the paper.

My contract ended at the end of December, but obviously the initiatives and discussions that got rolling during my time as Community Animator will continue. I will still occasionally send out notices of news and events via the email list, so if you would like to get on that you can send me your email address at editor@bmcnews.org. As well, the Facebook page is going to remain online.

I want to thank everyone who took part in the animation process, whether it was providing feedback online, taking part in one of our initiatives, or just providing encouraging words.

Part Two: Seeking McCauley Balance

A dialogue with a community member raised the following questions that she felt had never been addressed as a neighbourhood. These questions were presented online and answers are being gathered and organized for information and interest. If you would like to take part, please send your responses care of the paper to editor@bmcnews.org.

McCauley needs to strive for balance, especially a balance of the things that are important to people in the area, such as less concentration of social housing, a better spread of demographics, and the improvement of safety issues.

1) What does balance in McCauley look like?

2) What would have to change in order for us to get there? It would be interesting to see the points of agreement and disagreement, and to see what the variance is depending on how long someone has lived here.

3) What is “McCauley normal” (as compared to “normal” for other areas)?

4) There needs to be indicators of positive change and a way keep track of such information. What is the current direction of change in McCauley and is it the change we want?

5) We also need to gather success stories. Can you tell a success story from your McCauley experience?

December-January 2010/2011 Issue

2010-12-02T09:26:00.000-08:00

Our December-January 2010/2011 issue is now online. This is our annual "Holidays" issue. Here is a look at what's inside:

* Church Street Awarded Plaque
* Twenty Years of Artspace Housing Co-op
* Christmas Cooking
* Grand Manor: Five Years of Support
* Homefest: About Music AND a Message
* Chanukah: Let There Be Light
* An “Enlightening” Holiday Gift!
* Cop’s Corner: ‘Tis the Season for Crime Prevention Tips
* Around the Rink
* McCauley Revitalization Update
* Letters To The Editor
* Community League Updates

Download the entire issue as a PDF here.

Homefest 2010

2010-11-14T10:39:00.000-08:00

Homefest is an annual event presented by the Edmonton Coalition on Housing and Homelessness featuring music, poetry, art, and speakers to raise funds for and awareness of homelessness and housing issues. This year's event featured a fun and interactive children's area with storytelling, crafts, and clowns, as well as panels speaking about the experiences of homelessness from a variety of perspectives.

This year's art exhibit was expanded and included visual art (particularly photography, paintings, and mixed-media) that dealt with different aspects of housing issues. Photos from the late Leonard Martial were there (he was homeless and documented the streets), work from inner city youths and adults, and even a few of my pieces that were featured in Edmonton's Food Bank's Expressions of Hunger earlier this year.

As for music, a number of Edmonton's best folk and roots artists performed on three stages. The performance that stood out the most for me (and for others, as I gleaned afterwards from discussions) was "One Room," which featured singer/songwriters Bob Jahrig, Jessica Heine, Maria Dunn, and Joe Nolan performing songs they wrote to narrate photos taken 25 years ago by Sharon Nolan. Nolan photographed elderly residents of a downtown rooming house.

This was my first year attending Homefest, and I thought the connection between art/music and working on solving an important social issue was important. Here are my photos from Homefest.

November 2010 Online

2010-11-10T09:56:00.001-08:00

The November issue is now online! You can download a complete copy in PDF form here. Below is a look at what is inside:

* BMHC Celebrates 30 Years
* Iris Court Squashed
* Community Walkabout Highlights Issues
* Help Through the Seasons
* New Manager for McCauley Apartments
* Unique Solar Electric System in McCauley
* Where’s Our Shack?
* Cop’s Corner: Avoid Unwelcome Visitors
* Plans for Boyle Street Community Garden
* McCauley Revitalization Update
* Letters To The Editor
* Community League Updates
* Dining Out: The Noodle Maker

Theatre Review: Billy Bishop Goes to War

2010-10-20T08:30:00.000-07:00

Theatre Review

Ian Young

Billy Bishop Goes to War

War is not funny but a story of hard times can bring a bit of comical relief to a very stressful situation. Such is the story of Billy Bishop Goes to War. This is a story of one of Canada’s most famous war heroes. Written by John Gray in collaboration with Eric Peterson (we all know him from “Oscar” on Corner Gas), this acclaimed award winning production appeared in 1978. It is the tale Billy Bishop loosely based on his narrative experience as an acclaimed fighter pilot in England during the First World War, a self proclaimed liar, horrible student, and troublemaker. It is an often humourous expose of how anything can be accomplished.

The amazing John Ulyatt, accompanied by Ryan Sigurdson, brings this entertaining tale to life. As part musical/narrative/visual, Ulyatt is amazing in the role of Billy Bishop playing not one but 19 characters! From Billy Bishop himself to the torchy French cabaret singer Helene, Ulyatt makes you believe it is a cast of thousands! How he can slip between characters in the blink of an eye is nothing short of impressive. Even though the set is mainly made up of wooden crates, chairs, and tables the scenes go from an actual flyer plane (that you get to watch Ulyatt construct) to a hospital bed, to a bar in Winnipeg, all the while Sigurdson on piano provides background vocals and sound effects to enhance the feeling.

Ulyatt has been a main staple of the Edmonton stage and we are lucky to have him. Sigurdson is a graduate of the acclaimed MacEwan University Theatre Arts Program and has done several past productions as pianist but hopefully will be around for many more.

Billy Bishop is the most unlikely young man to become a legend in the Canadian Ranks but this portrayal chronicles how he became a decorated, commendable part of Canadian History. As the play goes through the enlistment to the end it is very entertaining, haven seen live theatre in many cities like London etc these two are to be noticed for their tremendous on key performances.

From a truant miscreant to hero, this tale will captivate you from beginning to end. I even found myself singing some of the songs performed days later. I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end and must admit the two hours “flew” by.

October 2010 Issue Online

2010-10-18T13:07:00.000-07:00

Our October 2010 issue is online. Our theme is "Giving Thanks" and is loaded with articles and news from community members and organizations. To download a copy in PDF format, click here. And here is a rundown of the content highlights:

East Meets West: Three Days of Culture

Sacred Heart Church Under Construction

Calling All Creatives

McCauley Gets Animated

Ability and Community

St. Stephen’s Saved!

Community League Wins Appeal

EDLC BBQ

Cop’s Corner: Donations and Panhandlers

McCauley Revitalization Update

Letters To The Editor

Community League Updates

Dining Out: Padmanadi - Vegan/Indonesian

September 2010 Issue Online

2010-09-02T09:36:00.001-07:00

Our September issue is now online. Here is a look at what's inside:

* Peas Be With You Garden is Now With Us
* BMHC Celebrates 30 Years
* Farewell to Berezans
* Fab Flowers
* Front Yard Finalist in McCauley
* Adult Learners to Lose Valuable Tool
* Our Reunion: A Learning Experience
* Cop’s Corner: Theft From Vehicles
* McCauley Revitalization Update
* Letters To The Editor
* Community League Updates
* Dining Out

To download the issue in PDF format, click here.

Archive on Microfiche

2010-09-02T08:56:00.000-07:00

We got a very special delivery earlier this week - our entire 30 year archive of newspapers on microfiche. It was exciting to hold the entire history of the paper in my hands, which amounts to three scrolls. Even in this day of computers and the Internet, microfiche is still the industry standard for archiving newspapers. The microfiche is now available for purchase by any library or institution.

"Signs" of the Times

2010-09-02T08:51:00.000-07:00

Andrew Hanon from the Edmonton Sun spoke with Editor Paula, McCauley Community League President Rob Stack, and a few other stakeholders concerning Father Jim's signs around Sacred Heart Park and the social issues the neighbourhood faces. Read the story and the comments here. You can also leave a comment if you wish.

East Meets West 2010

2010-09-02T08:49:00.001-07:00

This past weekend the McCauley neighbourhood came alive with East Meets West, a festival celebrating some of the different cultures we have here. It expanded to three days and included Africa in addition to Chinatown and Little Italy. Here is a look at a collection of photos from all three days, as well as an iReport from iNews880 prepared by our editor.

July/August Issue Online

2010-07-18T10:03:00.000-07:00

Our Summer issue is now online! Here is a look at just some of what is inside:

* New Mural Unveiled in McCauley
* U10s Fought the Law - And Won!
* In Memoriam: Frank Roccia
* A Skateboard Park in McCauley!
* McCauley Church Celebrates 100 Years
* BRAC II Report Accepted by Council
* ICYDA Withdraws From Boyle Renaissance
* Heart of the City Music Festival 2010
* Cans of Hope
* McCauley Revitalization: A cultural experience
* Letters To The Editor
* Community League Updates
* Dining Out

To download the entire issue in PDF format, point your browser to this link.

Heart of the City 2010

2010-06-14T16:53:00.000-07:00

The Heart of the City Music Festival took place on June 5 and 6. Expanded into a two-day festival, the free event in Giovanni Caboto Park featured non-stop live music, free art workshops, hula hoop demonstrations, an interactive art project (painting the letters making up the words "Heart of the City"), art and craft vendors, and more. This event is huge for the inner city, as it causes people from all over the city to visit the McCauley neighbourhood and come away with a more positive feeling about the area.

Here are some photos from day one and day two of the festival.

This was my fourth Heart of the City as a musician. Once again, I was part of the song circle. This is a video of me performing my song "The One Thing" and another of "Summer," a song about homelessness that was inspired by my work in the inner city.

I also filmed a number of the other acts. Here is the Playlist for Heart of the City 2010 on Boyle McCauley News' YouTube channel.

June 2010 Online Edition

2010-06-10T16:19:00.001-07:00

Our June issue is online! Here is a look at what you can find on the pages:

* Premier Primavera a Blooming Success
* Community Action Dash 2010
* Downtown Arena Thoughts
* Heart of the City Lineup
* Revitalization Update
* Soccer Update
* Creating Balance
* Is your garage easy pickings for thieves?
* Letters To The Editor
* Community League Updates
* Dining Out

To download the paper in PDF, click here.

Executive Committee Meeting

2010-05-14T13:43:00.001-07:00

On April 21, several members of the McCauley Community League once again addressed the City of Edmonton's Executive Committee concerning the issue of putting a moratorium on subsidized and supportive housing in the area. Their complete presentations were transcribed by Sophy Yeung (the League's Communications person) and have been posted here for the community to read. The presentations took place in this order: Wendy, Sophy, Rob, and Father Jim. To view the meeting minutes and watch the video from the meeting, click here.

Father Jim's Presentation to the City's Executive Committee, April 21

2010-05-14T13:08:00.000-07:00

Transcript of Reverend James Holland’s presentation to Executive Committee April 21, 2010

Mr. Mayor and Council members, thank you for allowing me to speak. I kind of have a little softer touch; they've given you all the stats, you've read them and seen them. First of all, to those who don't know me, I am the pastor at Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples. It is the official parish of First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples in this Archdiocese. We are very proud to be of status. Also I would like to tell you that less than 5% of the aboriginal people live in the inner city. Most of our aboriginal people, First Nations, Metis and Inuit people, live in the entire city and most of them are very productive members of society.

The other thing is that I start my 16th year at Sacred Heart September 1. When I came to Sacred Heart, the inner city was a ghetto and the inner city is still a ghetto. Some things change. Some things get worse. And there are a few things that get better. We have a housing problem, but we have worse problems than that. I don't know of any other community, other than maybe some of the surrounding areas, that allows public drinking in the streets and on the corners. I don't know if any of the other 200 something communities would allow people to use their drugs on my doorsteps of the church, buy and sell drugs openly as if it is a market.

The agencies that work, work very hard. I am on the board of the Boyle McCauley Health Centre since 1997. I can walk into the Boyle McCauley Health Centre; someone will be using drugs on the front steps... in the back. They don't do it as much around my church because I have patrolled my church day and night.

I clean up the park because, being in the ghetto, we get services, but we are the last one on the list. They will service everyone else in the city, until they service us. Parks department has the park next door, which belongs to the Catholic School Board which is the Catholic Church. They service it whenever they have cleaned every park in the city. I clean the park personally every day. When the grass needs to be cut, I cut the grass, because otherwise we would have to get a hay bailer in there to cut it. That's the type of service we get today.

I don't call the police anymore because it takes them 2 hours, because there are so many other things, which our neighbourhood doesn't deserve. I also speak very much for those people we are talking about having rights. People who own houses, have lived in that neighbourhood, raised their children. They have rights too. I fortunately have several dogs in my house so I am alerted if anyone breaks in, but I have been hit twice. I've been called every name you could possibly call me. And I have been challenged and threatened with my life because I live in a ghetto. I deserve better and the people who live in that ghetto deserve better. I'm not so sure if this protocol is the right thing, but I can tell you this: we need better and healthier neighbourhoods.

From what I see the Community League is trying to do, it’s to try to change this status of being a ghetto and try to make it a viable community, and that has to come from the help from downtown. You have to know how we live. I do have a spare room if any of you would like to come and move in for a couple weeks to see it for the real stuff. I would be more than happy to have you. You can answer my front door; you can walk in the parks; and be called names that you cannot believe.

We also have a problem of human waste. At one time I picked up 5 piles of human waste out of the rink, sorry, so that kids would have a place to play. We don't have a lot of kids anymore because the schools are closing, but we still have kids who have rights. They have a right to have a park. They have a right to have a place to play. And I have to continue fighting doing it myself, as well as run my very large congregation. I thank you. And I know that with the wisdom of this council, I know that Mayor Stephen is a wise man, and I know we can work something out, and it doesn't have to be bureaucratic. It can simply be human beings living together with equal rights because we are all human beings. Thanks.

Rob Stack's Presentation to the City's Executive Committee, April 21

2010-05-14T13:03:00.000-07:00

Presentation for Executive Committee April 21, 2010. Rob Stack McCauley Community League.

Thank you, once again, for the opportunity to speak on this important issue.
Back in my research days we talked of elegant solutions to problems. Solutions that are effective, efficient, constructive, and almost always shockingly simple. We have one of those solutions in front of us but we may be too busy “processing” to focus on potential outcomes.

The elegant option is a regulated moratorium. Akin to Option 3 in the discussion paper. Effectively not adding more non-market housing to “High Threshold” neighbourhoods. The only significant exceptions being major Council-driven initiatives. Recognize that this is threshold based; this barrier would disappear when the indicators change.

Regulatory firmness would create an instant base on which positive action could be built. Unlike an “incentive” approach no new consultative bodies need be created, no new pressures are placed on distressed neighbourhoods, nothing needs to be created to move forward, it involves no expenditures on incentives that may miss the mark.
Vulnerable neighbourhoods, currently the path of least resistance, instantly are simply not under consideration. The inertia and huge machinery focusing non-market initiatives on these areas are redirected. Our neighbourhoods can then work towards better integrating existing developments and creating a great future.

For developers, both market and non-market, a regulated policy provides the clarity and certainty that they require.

Option 3 offers a huge advantage because it forces the issue. The playing field is instantly changed. NM developers would be forced to work with healthy communities towards a common goal. Today, resident concern is automatically given the label NIMBY and degraded. Everyone has the right to be concerned and we should never be sanctioning the use of name calling and other heavy handed tactics. These concerns are legitimate and a real dialogue with empowered communities will create not just better educated residents but better performing housing/service operators.

Apparently a major concern with option 3 is that it could rob us of the miracle housing project or projects that would fix urban poverty, stimulate development, and end urban crime. This is a romantic fallacy and a proven failure. Concentrating poverty is wrong and concentrating NMH concentrates poverty and/or institutionalizes residential areas -- end of story. The solutions we are looking for lie in integrated communities, and the elimination of areas of disadvantage and marginalization.

The concept of injecting market housing into troubled areas using NMH is equally flawed. Mixed residential can work (and work well) but it is dependent on locations of high market demand. It is the highly desirable location that is the known lever to entice dispersion and integration using mixed projects. It is backwards to think that NMH is a tool to leverage condo sales in the market.

The other problem with using NMH to fix problems of NMH concentration is that you are adding more of something to lower the concentration of that thing; this is simply circular logic.

What neighborhoods under extreme stress need is a moratorium. What the non-market development industry needs is a moratorium in the high threshold areas. No fancy footwork exemptions. We need this help, they need that guidance, we all need the certainty.

This would be a strong base to move forward from and I implore you to make this choice so that we can all move onto better things.

Sophy Yeung's Presentation to the Executive Committee, April 21

2010-05-14T13:00:00.000-07:00

April 21, 2010 Executive Committee
10:30 am: 5.2 Non-Market Housing Ratios – Future Directions

Sophy Yeung, McCauley Community League, Communications Director

As Wendy has said, our community is clear about the need for a moratorium now.

What concerns me the most at this point, after all the energy we have put into this issue, is the extent of progress that this discussion is achieving.

I am most disappointed that the discussion is centering on why a simple STOP is too much to ask for in the extremely distressed neighbourhoods.

Please let’s regain some perspective.

We are talking about stopping the building of any more subsidized housing in, really, only a very small fraction of the nearly 300 neighbourhoods that are within city limits. What is the big worry about having a dozen neighbourhoods be just off-limits? There would still be hundreds of other neighbourhoods. After all, it is well acknowledged that given choice, people overwhelmingly do not choose housing in the inner city. ...not to mention the dignity that comes with choice.

I urge you to keep in mind that the reason these neighbourhoods have been identified is because they have reached the tipping point of extreme neighbourhood poverty rates, a well known symptom of ill-health and dysfunction.

So, given this, why we continue to sponsor projects that contribute to the increase in the spatial concentration of poverty, specifically in neighbourhoods identified as already in a deep imbalance?

Why take the risk? ...a big risk.

What is there to lose by simply stopping?

Rather, I see there is only a very impressive list of things to gain, with pretty much nothing to risk.

The funding is still there.

The funding can now be even more powerfully leveraged by tapping into the strengths of our communities..... the strength of our healthy communities to welcome those in need and to be a very real contributor to their recovery and integration. Continuing to marginalize those in need is not helpful for anyone and is a tragedy of human endeavour. In a healthy neighbourhood, everyone (at all stages of life, from all walks of life) can thrive. Why not maximize the leveraging of tax dollars in the endeavour to get people out of the trap of poverty?

Only with a firm moratorium can all these benefits be had. The real risk is to leave in the loopholes.... which won’t realize a change in the inertia. Fool ourselves into thinking we’ve done something. Then watch everyone’s disappointment once the promise wears thin. Ironically what is being sold as the “safe” thing to do, is exactly the most dangerous thing to do.

Without a simple policy, how do we make sure we’re continuing to move the bar up higher? How do we make sure proposals are good enough to be accepted in any neighbourhood? Instead of depending on neighbourhoods that can’t complain. That’s just not going to be good enough anymore. It needs to have some connection to outcomes, to community integration, to the bigger picture.

Without a tangible policy that shows you will not knowingly concentrate poverty, how can you with credibility ask for the trust of all the neighbourhoods across the city?

Finally, I ask how is a regulated moratorium in the worst neighbourhoods not a beautiful, confident first step in this direction towards diverse inclusive neighbourhoods across the city? It can be this simple. Can you think of a better way to begin? This is easy, cheap, right and effective.

To move forward, we don’t need a policy that is complex. Before deciding to move ahead, we don’t need to figure out how to frame a policy that can fix every social problem, as measured by poverty .... an exercise that would have to involve more than just the Housing Branch. And, honestly, we don’t have the time. McCauley cannot take anymore. We cannot continue like this. We need this just so that we can take a breather. Then, we have the opportunity to plan beyond this.

I do not buy into the fear mongering that is suggesting McCauley is not a beautiful neighbourhood. That we are somehow blighted and will never amount to anything. That we cannot flourish. That families won’t want to come raise their children in our old houses. That we are addicted to charity. That we cannot attract quality investment. That we are better off as an institutionalized neighbourhood. That people cannot fall in love with us the way we are. But, the government needs to take the first step by demonstrating for everyone to see that you believe too.

Wendy Aasen's Speech to the Executive Committee, April 21

2010-05-14T12:41:00.000-07:00

Presentation at Executive Committee April 21, 2010
by Wendy Aasen, President of McCauley Community League

I come to you today from “the extremely distressed neighbourhood” of McCauley. We have:
• an individual poverty rate of 44%,
• subsidizing housing units comprising 54% of our community,
• a family poverty rate of 24%,
• 660 shelter mats/emergency accommodations,
• and feeding programs that are feeding 150 thousand individuals a year. (Some of these are very worthy things to have and of course the need is huge.)

We’re now facing the point where our school is closed.

For McCauley, it’s a very, very big demographic issue. I’ve lived in the community 17 years and have watched the changes in demographics over time. It’s now 2 males for every 1 female. Very few children under the age of 14. And similar issues that are causing us to be an unhealthy community.

I want to say thank the Executive Committee for hearing us today. I also want to thank the City of Edmonton Housing Branch for working hard to put this discussion paper together. We are excited and pleased by many of the issues that are now being recognized:
• that concentrating poverty “produces aggregate community effects” (p.1),
• that “the mandates of the key stakeholders that provide non-market housing are not always in sync” (p.3), “that current funding models for non-market housing need to be reconsidered” (p. 5),
• and that strategies must be put in place to align Provincial, Regional and Municipal housing plans.
•
Particularly encouraging is the outcome (p. 7) of creating Quality, Vibrant, Inclusive communities for all. (And that makes me smile.) So for those reasons alone, I think and in my personal opinion, this is a huge first step, and we’re very pleased.

Last month, the community of McCauley came together at a General Meeting (a meeting that was extremely well attended by McCauley standards) to ensure that our League Executive was accurately reflecting the desires of our community. We advertised the meeting in the Boyle McCauley News, we conducted flyer drops, sent e-mails, and went door to door particularly focusing on south McCauley where our greatest challenges lie.

We had our General Meeting, had a secret ballot and 87% of our community voted to support a moratorium on the continued expansion of non-market housing. 99% of attendees showed their support for moving forward towards the development of a mixed healthy community - a community of choice. Almost unanimously our door to door visits revealed that residents, no matter what their socioeconomic status (and with rates like ours, at least 54% of people were of lower socioeconomic status), had all had enough of the status quo and were looking forward to real positive change. So we as a community are ready to move forward.

Picking and choosing, however, is part of the problem that we have with a flexible cap. How do you decide? How would any community decide what would be acceptable projects and what would not be acceptable projects in their community? We don’t see this as a desirable thing to do and our community will not choose between various needy groups.

So for that reason, again, our community will seek the most restrictive option presented in the discussion: the regulatory option with the hard cap.

At present, we are still potentially facing 6 new housing projects. Some are very large. We would like something to be done to put these projects on hold at least for a while so that we could have some breathing space, if or when this work moves forward. Thank you.

May 2010 - Online Version

2010-04-27T15:06:00.000-07:00

Our May issue is now online. If you can't wait to receive your copy, you can click here to download the issue in PDF format. Here is a sneek peak at what's inside:

* McCauley Says Enough is Enough!
* McCauley School to Close
* Being a Good Witness
* Shop Talk
* A Dog Park in McCauley?
* McCauley Clean Up
* Call of the Wild
* Letters To The Editor
* Community League Updates
* Dining Out

April 2010:Online Edition

2010-04-05T20:24:00.001-07:00

Our April 2010 issue is now online - here is a look at some of the contents:

* Future of McCauley School In Jeopardy
* Historic Gem Demolished
* How Safe is Our Neighbourhood?
* Gardening as a Family
* Letters To The Editor
* Guitar Donation
* Ghana Adventure
* Third Eco Station Open
* Community League Updates
* Dining Out

Download the entire issue in PDF format here.

Of NIMBYs and Know-It-Alls

2010-03-25T17:47:00.001-07:00

This is going to be my McCauley Musings editorial column for the May issue. It deals with a very controversial subject currently under discussion in the community and wider Edmonton area. As a result, I wanted to get this out there right now in the hopes of addressing some of the misinformation and misconceptions about our community.

McCauley Musings

Of NIMBYs and Know-It-Alls

Paula E. Kirman * BMC News Staff

By now the news of the McCauley Community League taking legal action against the building of Iris Court has been broadcast in major media outlets throughout the city. Of the public reactions, the most harsh have been those comments accusing the League – and the community at large – of being NIMBYs.

For those who need clarification, NIMBY stands for “Not In My Back Yard” and refers to people who may give lip service to social justice, as long as the problems are kept far away from them. I can’t say whether or not those who accuse McCauley-ites of being NIMBYs are hypocrites themselves, but I can probably say with some confidence that these people don’t live in the area or even have a good knowledge about the neighbourhood.

In the four years that I have been deeply involved in the community here I have gotten to know a variety of people who are compassionate towards the needy elements of society and who are passionate about social justice. As a result, there is a reasonable level of acceptance for the amount of social, below-market, subsidized, and supportive housing. Many people have moved here because they want to be part of the solution.

However, these same people have decided that the current amount of disproportionate supportive housing, which at 54 percent is the most disproportionate in the city, is enough. As I heard a participant say at the community meeting on March 20, “We want to be a community – not a dumping ground.” The situation is not that these people don’t want the problems in their back yard – it’s that the back yard is already full.

If you are reading this and don’t live in McCauley, I urge you to spend some time here. Get to know the people and get to know the issues. Then, take a look and your own back yard and reconsider whether you think the people here are NIMBYs.

Become a Fan of Our Facebook Page

2010-03-25T17:44:00.000-07:00

We are making some changes to what we do on Facebook. Instead of using a group, we have moved to a page, which shows information in a more efficient way to "fans" of the page. To become a fan of Boyle McCauley News, follow this link.

May's Theme

2010-03-25T17:42:00.000-07:00

May's theme is "Pets" and the main things we are looking for to relate to this theme are:

1) Photos of your pets, especially if you are in the photo with them. Our centrespread is going to be a scrapbook of pet photos, and the more photos we have, the better it is going to be.

2) Pet stories of all kinds: how did you get your pet? memories of a childhood pet? what makes your pet special? tributes to departed pets?

As well, we're going to compile opinions on this topic in sort of a "person on the street" freestyle collection of quotes:

"There is talk about the City making the grassy area along 92 Street near the Stadium a dog park (since it is already unofficially used as one). What do you think?"

Deadline is April 12. Send all contributions to editor @ bmcnews.org.

March 2010 Is Online

2010-02-25T20:06:00.001-08:00

Our March issue is now online. Here is a look at some of the contents:

* Happy 100th Birthday, Bissell Centre!
* Save Our School!
* Skating Party
* Lunar New Year
* Letters To The Editor
* A Family of Volunteers
* Revitalization Update
* 2010 Soccer Registration
* Community League Updates
* Dining Out

To download the entire version of the paper in PDF format, click here.

February 2010 Online!

2010-02-11T21:01:00.001-08:00

Our February issue is now online. Here is a look at what's inside:

* St. Stephen’s Church to Be Demolished
* Love Letter to the Community
* Skating Schedule
* City to Buy York Hotel
* Letters To The Editor
* Volunteer News
* Iris Court
* The McCauley Cup
* Community League Updates
* Dining Out

Download a complete copy of the issue as a PDF here.

The League Takes on City Hall

2010-02-09T08:02:00.000-08:00

At the City of Edmonton website, you can view an Executive meeting where members of the McCauley Community League address City Council over the disproportionate concentration of social housing in the area. This meeting was brought about by the announcement of new social housing developments in the area, such as Iris Court. The video only seems to work if you are using Internet Explorer.

March's Theme: Our Families

2010-01-26T08:37:00.000-08:00

March's theme is "Our Families." We are looking for articles on these topics:

1) What is it like raising a family in Boyle or McCauley?
2) Who is in your family? Tell us about your children, spouse, parents, grandparents . . . even if they don't live in the area.
3) Different generations ...of the same family who live in the area (eg.the Bubels)
4) How is the community like a family?
5) Are there people in your life you are not related to by blood, yet you consider them family?

Of course, we also want articles on community news and events. If you have any ideas, let me know!

Looking Towards March

2010-01-17T10:58:00.001-08:00

Vikki and I are hard at work laying out the February issue. It is time to start looking in March's direction. The theme is going to be "Our Families." We are looking for articles on the following topics:

1) What is it like raising a family in Boyle or McCauley?
2) Who is in your family? Tell us about your children, spouse, parents, grandparents . . . even if they don't live in the area.
3) Different generations of the same family who live in the area (eg.the Bubels)
4) How is the community like a family?
5) Are there people in your life you are not related to by blood, yet you consider them family?

As you can see, we're using the term "family" in a broad sense to include community and friends.

If you have any specific ideas, please contact me!

Padmanadi to Open Second Location

2010-01-10T17:43:00.001-08:00

Boyle McCauley News is privileged to bring you some breaking news. We chose to put it on our blog, since it is still a couple of weeks before the February issue hits the streets, and we wanted to make sure we got the scoop out first.

Padmanadi, the popular vegan restaurant in Chinatown, will open a second location on May 21. According to owner Kasim Kasim, the restaurant will bear the same name, have a slight different (but still all vegan) menu, and house a larger seating area. The new location will be situated just outside of McCauley's borders at 101 Street and 107 Avenue. Padmanadi's current restaurant is on 97 Street and 106 Avenue and is one of Chinatown's most popular eateries.

December/January 2009-2010

2009-12-12T20:20:00.000-08:00

Our Dec./Jan. issue is now online!

Here is a look at some of the goodness that rests within:

* Hope Mission Opens Immigration Hall
* McCauley Mural Celebration
* Diversity and Inclusion
* Letters To The Editor
* AGM Highlights
* Volunteer News
* Christmas in Peru
* Homefest 2009
* Community League Updates

To download a copy of the entire paper in PDF format, click here.

2009 AGM Video

2009-11-23T09:39:00.000-08:00

Our Annual General Meeting was held on November 18. As usual, I went around with my video camera and filmed some of the fun while we were setting up. This year, I also included the report from our Co-Chairs. I think this video gives a great idea of the wonderful people who make the paper what it is.

November 2009 Online

2009-11-10T15:55:00.000-08:00

November's issue is online! Here is a sneak peek at the contents:

* City Revokes York Hotel’s Tavern License
* The Works Moves to Boyle
* The Dedicated Helpers of Innroads
* Letters To The Editor
* Homeless Connect
* Volunteer News
* Rally for Healthcare
* Revitalization Update
* Community League Updates

To download the entire copy in its colour goodness (it's in PDF format), click here.

December/January - The Holidays

2009-10-19T11:34:00.000-07:00

December/January is our annual Holiday issue. We're looking for:
- personal stories of how you and your families celebrate the winter holidays
- recipes
- advice (anything from decorating to handling difficult family
members you only see once a year)
- what the holidays mean to you
The deadline is November 12. We prefer stories around 500 words, and we love photos! Send your work and suggestions to: editor at bmcnews dot org!

Edmonton Journal Article

2009-10-16T20:20:00.000-07:00

Just in case you missed it, the Edmonton Journal ran a feature story about Boyle McCauley News on October 3. The article focused on our 30th anniversary and the history of the paper and community. You can read it online here.

October 2009

2009-10-03T18:17:00.001-07:00

Today's Edmonton Journal had a feature story about Boyle McCauley News' 30th anniversary - check it out here!

The October issue of Boyle McCauley News is online - check out what we have in store this month:

* East Meets West Cultural Event A Success
* Celebrating Our Senior Volunteers
* Letters To The Editor
* Free Guitar Lessons
* Cop’s Corner: Calling the Police
* Inn Roads Coop Celebrates 25 Years of Community Building
* Residents to Be Relocated
* Looking Back
* Shop Talk: New Businesses in McCauley
* Portrait of a Life in McCauley
* Community League Updates

Download a copy of the paper as a PDF here.

Interview with Antoinette Grenier

2009-09-18T18:16:00.001-07:00

Our forthcoming October issue is going to focus on the seniors in our community. Antoinnette Grenier is a woman who is going to be featured prominently. Not only is she 90, not only is she outspoken about our community, but she has lived in McCauley for around 80 years! In the same house, no less. We decided to do the interview on video, because we wanted to get footage of this remarkable woman.

September 2009 Online

2009-09-07T15:01:00.001-07:00

Our September issue is online - and it is an exciting one because it is our first issue ever to feature four pages of full colour! That's right - we are now publishing with full colour. You can download a copy in PDF format, colour and everything, here. Here is a sneak peek at what's inside:

* Summer Camp Gives McCauley Kids Hope
* More Murals Liven Up the LRT Corridor
* Fabulous Flowers - The Natural Beauty of McCauley
* Shoptalk - three new businesses
* Artist Poster Show
* Getting Excited About School, Again...
* Home Security: A Challenge Inside and Out
* The Happy Wanderer
* Community League Updates
* Community Soccer Update

October's Theme

2009-08-26T08:39:00.000-07:00

October's theme is "Celebrating Our Seniors." Do you know a senior in the area who you would like to profile? A neighbour? A friend? A family member? Yourself? We also want to profile the service organizations in the area that help seniors. As well, we’re always looking for community news and profiles of interesting people and businesses in the community. Deadline is September 12. Articles should be no longer than 500 words and accompanied with photos whenever possible. Send your submissions to: editor@bmcnews.org. Articles may be edited for length and clarity. Not everything received is guaranteed to be published.

Fabulous Flowers

2009-08-17T07:53:00.001-07:00

Fabulous Flowers
Originally uploaded by raise my voice

I spent much of this past weekend photographing flowers in McCauley for a photo essay in the upcoming September issue. Take a look at many of these shots in colour, including many we won't have room to print, right here.

A Viking Ship in McCauley

2009-08-16T20:04:00.001-07:00

A Viking Ship in McCauley
Originally uploaded by raise my voice

Take a look at this Viking Ship that landed near Ansgar Lutheran Church over the weekend. The boat was acquired by the Danish Canadian National Museum and was built as an authentic replica of actual Viking ships. Read the full story in the upcoming September issue of the paper!

July/August Online!

2009-07-20T08:20:00.000-07:00

Our July/August issue is online - you can download a copy here.

VOLUME 30 NUMBER 6 - July-August, 2009

* EPSB Opens Public Discussion Over the Fate of Our Schools
* McCauley Cleans Up
* Heart of the City Wraps Up for Another Year
* Community League Updates
* Community Soccer Update
* Dining Out: Nyala Ethiopian Restaurant
* Cop’s Corner: Summer Safety
* Plan to End Homelessness will address housing needs of most vulnerable citizens

Accident on 95 Street and 107a Avenue

2009-07-17T20:32:00.001-07:00

Accident on 95 Street and 107a Avenue
Originally uploaded by raise my voice

This will likely be too dated by the time September rolls around, but this afternoon there was a huge accident in Little Italy. It took place around 12:30 near the intersection of 95 Street and 107A Avenue. There have been no details yet as to the extent of injuries, but I saw an ambulance pulling away as I approached to take pictures.

Looking Towards September

2009-06-29T08:32:00.001-07:00

Well, the July/August issue is at the printer. We don't publish again until September, so for those of you who want to take a sneak peek ahead, our them is going to be "Inspired to Learn." It’s Back to School with a twist, as we remember those teachers who had a positive influence on us. We’re also going to talk about how we teach others, whether as parents, friends, or professional teachers ourselves. As well, we’re always looking for community news and profiles of interesting people and businesses in the community. Deadline is August 12. Articles should be no longer than 500 words and accompanied with photos whenever possible. Send your submissions to: editor@bmcnews.org. Articles may be edited for length and clarity. Not everything received is guaranteed to be published.

Heart of the City Videos!

2009-06-10T08:30:00.001-07:00

If you want to re-live some of the great musical moments from this year's festival, check out these videos from our YouTube channel!

And yes, I performed once again during the Song Circle - here I be:

June Online

2009-06-09T09:04:00.001-07:00

The June issue of Boyle McCauley News is now online - here is a look at some of the contents:

VOLUME 30 NUMBER 5 - June, 2009

* Eagle Staff Transfer Ceremony at Bissell Centre
* Frank Rossi: A Man of Honour
* Local Artist Profiles
* Arts Organizations in Our Community
* Community League Updates
* Learning for Life
* McCauley Revitalization Update
* Cop’s Corner
* Art Makes Medicine Better at U of A Hospital

You can download the entire issue in PDF format here.

Boyle McCauley News Distro Box

2009-06-01T18:34:00.001-07:00

Boyle McCauley News Distro Box
Originally uploaded by raise my voice

Coming soon to a street near you! This is the official Boyle McCauley News distribution box. It has been a long time in coming. Now, you can be sure to always have a copy of the paper at hand, just by waling over to this conveniently-located box. We're working on getting our City permit to put it out, but expect it will be located near the Italian Centre.

Looking Ahead to July/August!

2009-05-26T08:42:00.000-07:00

July/August is our combined summer issue. The theme is "Our National Holidays." Where are you from? What is your national holiday? How do you celebrate it? Do you still mark the date somehow here in Canada? Deadline is June 12. Articles should be no longer than 500 words and accompanied with photos whenever possible. Send your submissions to: editor@bmcnews.org. Articles may be edited for length and clarity. Not everything received is guaranteed to be published.

How the May Issue Hit the Street

2009-05-07T16:56:00.000-07:00

Distribution is an essential part of BMC News. A portion of the papers are mailed via Canada Post to most of Boyle Street, while the rest are delivered by our block carriers in McCauley. For the past several months, thanks to a very dedicated volunteer, distribution has been very smooth.

We expected that this month would be the same as all the others: he would go in his van to the distribution centre to pick up the paper in his van. Then, he would take the papers to his garage where he would bag, label, and sort the papers, before loading them back into his van. Finally, he and I hit the road to the neighbourhood to mail the Boyle Street papers and bring the rest to the homes of our valued block carriers.

Alas, this month it was not to be. The paper was picked up, bagged, labeled, sorted, and loaded as per usual. However, after driving a mere couple of blocks we heard a bizarre popping sound coming from under the van, followed by a sound similar to a tin can scraping the ground. We drove the van back to his place. Although we could not visibly see anything wrong, we knew better than to continue to drive a vehicle with an unknown mechanical problem. Therefore, distribution was temporarily halted.

Fortunately, I do have several people on backup. However, Colleen, our industrious co-Volunteer Coordinator was at work. And Tim, a co-chair extraordinnaire, was out of town on a meditation retreat. Not to be discouraged, I called Kylee, Tim's daughter and a good friend of mine. She was home with her three children -- and mini-van. I was ever so grateful that she was able to come scooting along, children in tow. We packed up the papers for the post office, and took care of the Boyle mailout that afternoon.

Kylee was gracious enough to let us use her van the following afternoon. So, my ever-faithful volunteer took a bus to get to her house, drove back to the west end where we live, unloaded his van and loaded up Kylee's, got me, and off we went to McCauley for an afternoon of delivery goodness. It was not without challenges - the driver's side door would not open, but my friend easily fixed it. Good thing, since his knees don't bend well enough to keep crawling in from the passenger's side.

We also were puttering along at one point, which we assumed was due to overheating. Not good, since the afternoon was relatively cool. After breaking for lunch, the problem remained, and we barely got to the Mohawk station on 97 street to put some gas in the tank - which seemed to take care of the problem. The gas gauge must have been faulty since it was not showing as empty, and putting only $20 worth of gas in the tank raised the gauge quite a bit. Which it should not have, according to my friend who is far more mechanical than I.

In the end, everything turned out all right. The papers reached their destinations, Kylee's van has a fixed door and $20 of gas added to it, and I can focus on working on the June issue. Once again, our wonderful volunteers came through. We just would not be able to function as a newspaper or organization without our volunteers.

May Online

2009-04-27T20:05:00.001-07:00

It isn't quite yet May (and the weather certainly is not in step with the season), but May's BMC News is online and available to download as a PDF.

Here is a look at what is inside:

* New Program Manager at McCauley Apartments
* Security Patrol A Bust
* Meet Our New Community Liaison Constable
* McCauley Plant Exchange
* Getting Active
* Going Organic In Cuba
* Slim, Trim, and Fit
* A Bike Ride a Day Keeps the Doctors At Bay
* Community League Updates

BMC News On Twitter!

2009-04-10T11:23:00.000-07:00

Boyle McCauley News is now on Twitter. Twitter is a microblog allowing for short updates - excellent for news and announcements. Follow us here: www.twitter.com/bmcnews. For those of you on Twitter, you can add us to your follow list with our user name: @bmcnews.

April Online

2009-04-08T20:32:00.000-07:00

Our April issue is online, so you can check it out here. The highlights:

* Clarke Athletic Grounds Set for Major Expansion
* Nicole Chapdelaine Moves On
* Neighbourhood Matching Fund Guidelines
* Ben Henderson on the Bicycle Transportation Plan
* Learning for Life
* Jim Gurnett Leaving EMCN
* Dining Out: Pho Tau Bay
* Housing is More Than Shelter
* Community League Updates

March Issue

2009-03-19T08:35:00.000-07:00

The March issue of Boyle McCauley News is online. Here is look at what's inside:

* Heart of the City Pumps Up for June Music Festival
* Family Day at the Rink
* Looking Back
* Soccer News
* A Tour of Edmonton’s Net-Zero Home
* Dining Out
* Chinese New Year Celebrations
* Volunteer of the Month
* Community League Updates

Download a complete copy in PDF format here.

Family Day

2009-02-20T07:57:00.000-08:00

February 16 was Family Day here in Edmonton, and McCauley was celebrating with lots of food and fun! Chris was serving up burgers, Dan was handing out toys to the younger kids, and lots of people were eating, skating, roasting marshmellows, and enjoying getting to know their neighbours. Besides taking pictures for the March issue of the paper (which is in production right now), I decided to strap on my skates and hit the ice.

You can also see some pictures from Family Day here.

Chinese New Year

2009-02-10T21:05:00.000-08:00

I attended Chinese New Year celebrations in Chinatown for the first time a couple of weeks ago. I was there to take some pictures for the March issue of the paper, but I was also there to enjoy the sights, sounds, colours, and excitement that was all around. Those firecrackers were so loud I was afraid I damaged my hearing! It was also a blast to be able to walk down 97 street, right on the road. In addition to still pictures, I shot a couple of videos, which I uploaded to our channel at YouTube. Here they are.

February on the Web

2009-02-05T07:54:00.001-08:00

The February issue went online last evening - here it is!

The highlights:

* We’re Thirty!
* Transitional Housing Community Gets Boost From Province
* Feedback Wanted on Garbage Fees
* Skating Programs Announced
* Transportation Features
* Classic Valentine’s Day Greetings
* Riding the Rails and Riding the Trails
* Planning for Redevelopment Around the Stadium LRT Station
* Community League Updates

February Issue

2009-02-03T16:07:00.001-08:00

We're thirty!

That is the headline on the front page of the new issue of Boyle McCauley News. It hit the street last week, and should be online soon. I'll post the link when it is up.

Our First Issue

2009-01-30T20:45:00.000-08:00

I felt like I was living in a time capsule this week. I was going through a stack of old papers laying around the office, filing them accordingly in our office archive. Lo and behold, within that pile was sitting a copy of our very first issue. January 1979. Pages very yellow and brittle, typesetting very old-fashioned, and layout very bare bones. We found some other very old issues as well. I felt like I was holding the history of the community in my hands. I am hoping that eventually we will be able to put some of those classic issues online.

Finding Hidden Treasure

2009-01-15T09:26:00.000-08:00

We've been in our current office space for over two years, and we still have some things in boxes. Most of it are old computer manuals or packaging that are not of real importance. Earlier this week I decided to investigate some of those boxes, and found one containing hundreds of old photographs, some dating back twenty years or more. Old photos of people, places, and events in the neighbourhood. What a find!

Unfortunately, the box was so damaged by water, the bottom of it was literally stuck to the floor. The envelopes of photos were carefully extracted. There is a lot of damage, as many of the photos are stuck to each other, but most are salvageable. Now comes the fun part: going through everything and seeing what we have.

This find is especially valuable since we have just entered our 30th anniversary year. I am trying to scan as many pictures as I can - this very well may be my personal project over the next while. At the paper, we are making and recording history. What an impact we can make when we try to protect and preserve these precious memories.

Archiving

2008-12-22T15:17:00.000-08:00

I spent this month going through our archive of past issues. 2009 marks our 30th anniversary, and we are going to be donating a complete set of papers to the City of Edmonton archives so that they are properly stored and accessible to the community.

Seeing the development of the paper over the years was quite an interesting experience. I saw photos of parts of the neighbourhood where I walk through all the time. I saw faces of long-term volunteers who are still with us (and a few who are no longer with us, through moving away or death).

I read stories about community issues, some of which still affect us today. And I saw the editorial content and graphic design go through several transitions over the years as technology evolved and the paper went from being all-volunteer to having paid staff.

We are going to be including content from past years in all of the issues in 2009. We are also going to profile people who have been involved with the paper since the beginning (or, almost the beginning). Although my history with the paper is nowhere near as long as some of our volunteers, I am really excited to be a part of Boyle McCauley News during this milestone anniversary.

December Issue

2008-12-09T10:59:00.001-08:00

It's beginning to look a lot like winter. Actually, it is beginning to feel a lot like winter also. Finally, the temperatures are cold and there is snow on the ground. I know some people are happy about this, but I prefer to do my neighbourhood photo walks without fear of slip sliding away.

Anyways, the December 2008/January 2009 issue of the paper is now online and available to be downloaded here.

From all of us at Boyle McCauley News, have a safe and happy holiday season!

The Paper Trail

2008-11-28T16:11:00.001-08:00

"The Paper Trail" is a new feature in Boyle McCauley News Actually, it isn't a feature, but one of those quirky space-fillers that lets readers in on a behind the scenes look at what goes into producing the paper. Specifically, "The Paper Trail" documents my journey as an avid walker. I walk all over the neighbourhood, and also in other places, on BMC News-related business. Especially when I am finding cool and interesting general interest photos, I find myself walking around sometimes for an hour or so at a time (weather permitting). One day it occurred to me that it would be very revealing to keep track of how much I am actually walking. So, wearing a pedometer, I began charting my walks with the intention of totally the number of kilometers from one deadline to the next. The December issue will feature the first result of this endeavour. I myself was surprised to learn how far I had gone. Stay tuned for the December issue to find out - it should be online very soon.

Our AGM Video - Version 2008

2008-11-26T07:59:00.000-08:00

Last year, when we were getting ready for our Annual General Meeting, I decided to bring my video camera along and tape some of the fun and frantic preparations in the kitchen. This year, even though we decided to go a slightly different route with the food, I still thought it would make for a fun memory to catch some of the highlights. So here, it is, the Boyle McCauley News official 2008 AGM video:

November's Issue

2008-11-11T13:32:00.000-08:00

November's issue is online. Actually, it has been for a while now, but silly me forgot to blog it. Oh well - without further ado: November 2008.

We're On YouTube

2008-11-09T21:21:00.000-08:00

At our Editorial Committee meeting this afternoon we toyed with the idea of putting some of the video I shoot at events around the neighbourhood online. The result of this discussion is our new channel at YouTube!

So far, I have added as favourites the videos I previously uploaded to my own channel, but original content is coming soon. It will feature local events as well as some BMC News happenings.

Learning the Mac

2008-11-07T14:04:00.000-08:00

I am using this blog post to practise working with a Mac laptop we now have. This Mac will help me take a more active role in the production and design aspects of the paper, as well as be a backup if anything ever happens to Vikki's system. I used a Mac in high school and in University for a couple of years until PCs took over everything. So, this is a real adventure familiarizing myself with all the different menus and commands once again. Actually, it is also a lot of fun. Combine this with a Blackberry I recently was upgraded to by my cell phone provider, and I have had to learn a lot of technological things over the past few weeks. But that is okay because I like technology. In this line of work, I don't really have much of a choice!

What We Put Into It

2008-10-15T17:35:00.000-07:00

At our Editorial Committee on Sunday, Vikki and I decided to put a little more of ourselves into the paper -- namely, getting specific on what goes into producing Boyle McCauley News. We won't be going into huge details, but rather presenting graphs and statistics demonstrating how many proofs go back and forth, how many hours spent online, and in my case, the distance I travel around the neighbourhood and surrounding areas.

Now that cycling season is winding down, I am taking to heading on my photo walks. However, this time, I am going to be walking around wearing a pedometer. We will see just how much distance I cover. It's far too late in the season to start calculating my cycling distances, but I am hoping to acquire an odometer/speedometer next spring.

I hope to also create some Boyle Street and McCauley walking plans, with routes, maps, and distances. It is my way of encouraging people in the area to be physically active and healthy.

October Issue Is Online!

2008-09-26T07:52:00.000-07:00

October's issue is online, and will hopefully be hitting the streets soon. Until then, you can check it out here.

October on the Horizon

2008-09-22T17:12:00.000-07:00

Vikki and I are working away at the October issue. Yes, September is almost at an end. I have been going on a number of bike rides lately to enjoy the vivid fall colours. A couple of weeks ago I was riding my bike past Giovanni Caboto Park, down 108 Avenue, and I was showered by yellow and orange leaves. I think a few of them got stuck in my helmet. Poetry in motion. This season does not last long enough.

Deadline Time

2008-09-12T08:59:00.000-07:00

Today is the day: the deadline for the October issue. I always get excited around deadline time. The contributors always keep me on my toes and I am constantly amazed by the quality of submissions as well as the wide range of subject matter. Deadlines can also be a stressful and busy time because a lot of the paper's content tends to come in around the same time. Such is life in the newspaper business.

Wake Me Up When September Ends

2008-09-06T08:05:00.000-07:00

The September issue has been picked up, mailed to Boyle, distributed to carriers, and placed in various businesses throughout the neighbourhood. Yesterday, I filled in for a route with no carrier, putting a note in each paper requesting volunteers. It's fun, it's physical, and I'm tired. Bagging up the papers for the carriers is a good workout. Now - we have to focus on October!

September Issue Is Online

2008-08-27T20:14:00.000-07:00

Our September issue went online today. It is also at the printer, but due to the upcoming long weekend, we likely won't be able to distribute the hard copy until later next week. In the meantime, you can download the entire paper and read it here.

Gearing Up for September

2008-08-17T08:54:00.000-07:00

Well, it's that time again: time to put the next issue of BMC News together. Most of the articles are in, and right now I am working on what I call a "mock layout" for Vikki. Basically, I take all the articles and place them into one long Word document, specifying approximately where I want everything to appear on the pages. We have a "code" we use on the document to specify where the photos should go and how certain elements are to be formatted. We will start the actual layout this week.

A Stubbing in McCauley

2008-07-27T21:20:00.000-07:00

A stubbing took place early this evening in McCauley. The incident happened at about 5:10 p.m. on 95 Street near the corner of 106 Avenue. The victim, a woman in her mid-thirties, experienced pain, loss of balance, and extreme embarassment when the big toe on her right foot hit a crack in the sidewalk. The woman, who works as the Editor of area's community newspaper, was reportedly on her way to Padmanadi to meet family members for supper. As of this evening, she is still experiencing discomfort, numbness, and difficulty walking. The sidewalk was unavailable for comment. No charges have been laid.

Flowers

2008-07-24T18:23:00.000-07:00

One of the things I most enjoy about hanging out in McCauley, is taking long walks through the neighbourhood and gazing at the incredible landscapes and flowers that many of the properties have. The residents of this area take great pride in gardening and the result are some colourful and beautiful displays, like these tiger lillies.

There was a hard rain right before I took this one. I think you can see some of the raindrops on the flowers.

I don't think I have ever seen this flower with this particular colour.

A simpler approach by using bedding plants in planters.

McCauley Clean Up - I Really Did Help

2008-07-18T09:09:00.000-07:00

I really believe in immersing myself in a story. That is exactly what I did in late May when I covered the McCauley annual clean up. I was on site for most of the day taking photos. However, sometimes my camera got away from me, and I ended up the centre of attention. Someone dropped off a skateboard that I decided to try out, while Diana took a shot of me. Cowabunga, dudes!

Then, I went out in one of the trucks with Tim and Andre to scour the neighbourhood for discarded items. Yes, that is right -- dirtaphobic me actually handled garbage. Tim felt this moment should actually be captured for posterity, so here I am with a community member, enthusiastically cleaning up.

This is the colour shot of the main photo in the spread on the clean up that appeared in the July/August issue. That's Tim in the foreground, as well as a very full trash bin. I was amazed at how much these bins could actually hold.

Here I am again, at the clean up site unloading the trees I had gathered. All in all it was a very fun day. It was great to be a part of such a well-organized and worthwhile community event.

Paula at Heart of the City

2008-07-17T16:37:00.000-07:00

This is for those of you who asked why there was no photo of me included in our multi-page spread about the 2008 Heart of the City Festival in the July/August issue. We had so many great photos of all the performers, that it was a struggle to get in as many as we could. I was not about to take space away from another act or artist. Besides, my photo appears in every issue along with my Editorial. I am not a *complete* narcissist, after all!

One Year of Proofing

2008-07-16T17:09:00.000-07:00

The June issue marked one year that my mother has been doing the proofreading for the paper. To honour her contribution as a volunteer, we got her a thank-you card and a bouquet of flowers from Zocalo. She really appreciated the gesture.

Non-Home Computing

2008-07-13T13:33:00.001-07:00

I am on a wireless connection in a coffee shop. I sometimes need to get away from my desk for a while and work in a different atmosphere. September's issue is already coming together even though I haven't even sent out the assignment list yet. Already articles are coming in. This week, I will spend some time writing a restaurant review and getting a jump start on what will likely be a central feature for September (hint: it has to do with Father Jim, the park beside Sacred Heart Church, and some signs that were hung there).

Substitute Carrier

2008-07-11T16:06:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I found out that one of our carriers was away and won't be back until the end of July. This afternoon I delivered to his route. I've never delivered to a route before, so it was quite an interesting and fun experience. The block in question was in an area of the McCauley neighbourhood I usually only pass through, as it is a distance away from most of the people I know and places where I hang out. I saw some houses and businesses I was not previously aware of, met a few dogs, and chatted with some residents. I finished up right before the big rain hit, which cut short my bike riding adventures through the neighbourhood.

Re-Distribution

2008-07-10T09:21:00.000-07:00

The storm on Saturday right after Colleen and I did our rounds dropping off paper to the carriers did have some ill effects. I heard from two carriers whose papers got totally ruined. So, on Monday, I loaded about 200 papers on my bike to re-distribute, as well as drop off at some of the businesses we missed the first time around. It's amazing how much you can actually carry on a bicycle if you are creative (and careful. Plus, a rack and some bungee cords help.).

Internet Problems

2008-07-09T17:10:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I feel more like a computer technician than an editor/writer. Today was one such time. This morning, I downloaded a Windows update and installed it onto my computer, as I do routinely. Immediately thereafter, I lost my Internet connection entirely. After spending an hour on the phone with tech support from my ISP, I was told it was a hardware problem. I switched to my laptop and connected via dial up. The same update downloaded and installed and -- you guessed it -- I lost my connection on that machine as well. At this point, I began to think that the problem had something to do with the update so I did a System Restore to yesterday and behold, my Internet was working once again. Apparently, there is a compatibility issue between the update and the ZoneAlarm firewall, which I have installed on both computers. We don't have ZoneAlarm on the office computer, so when I did the update on our computer this afternoon, there was no problem at all. All in all, I basically did little productive at all today except deal with computer issues.

July/August Online

2008-07-07T20:53:00.000-07:00

The July/August issue of the paper is now online. We have readers literally from around the world, simply because we offer a free, downloadable PDF file.

Distribution Day

2008-07-06T09:19:00.000-07:00

Distribution is the most physical process of producing the paper. Sorting, bagging, and delivering the papers to our carriers often leaves me exhausted, and sometimes with a few cuts and bruises. Colleen and I delivered yesterday in the beautiful sunshine, which lasted just long enough for us to finish. Then, the skies opened up and it started to pour. I pulled the last few stacks of papers from the back of Colleen's car and ran down with them into the office, narrowly avoiding them getting wrecked by moisture. So far, I have only heard from one carrier whose papers got soaked and am likely going to have to do another distribution run this week.

The best part about doing distribution on a sunny, warm weekend is that we get to run into a lot of people. Some of our carriers were outside or saw me coming up to their doors, and came outside to chat for a bit. When we got to John & Kim's, we got invited to watch the cob fence building workshop that was in progress. A cob fence is an ancient, environmentally sustainable way of building, using clay mixed with straw. People were dancing around in the wet clay, getting it to the right consistency before balling it up and adding it to the growing fence. I took some pictures for the September issue.

We stopped for lunch at a new restaurant in Chinatown, Longan. It is a family business, and our servers were some of the younger family members. Service was very friendly, and the food was impressive. Look for a review in the September issue.

I hid out in the office during the storm, then came back up when the sun returned. I had to go for a walk to take some pictures of the incredible flowers blooming in the gardens and alleys of McCauley, in particular Caroline's front yard (I have never seen so many colourful flowers before on a private property) and Tim's flowerboxes that were very simple, but had excellent composition in terms of the arrangements.

We Picked It Up!

2008-07-03T21:41:00.000-07:00

The July/August issue was ready for pickup, so Colleen and I drove out to the distribution centre, filled up the back seat and trunk of her car with papers, and headed to the post office downtown to mail out to Boyle Street. This was the first time I had ever been to the distribution centre. Basically, a very strong woman brought the papers over to the vehicle on a dolly, and helped load them in. At the post office, a friend of mine was working the loading dock, so she helped us get them into the Canada Post bin. Next? Getting the papers into the hands of our volunteer carriers in the McCauley area.

The Waiting Game

2008-06-30T20:55:00.001-07:00

We're in that in-between period of finishing the paper, and waiting for it to come back from the printer. Then comes distribution, when we get it out to the carriers (and mail to Boyle Street via Canada Post). I usually have to keep my schedule flexible, because distribution can happen any time after we get the paper back.

Working Late

2008-06-24T21:43:00.000-07:00

Imagine if you will, a graphic designer spent from working all day at another job plus feeling not so great from a bout of food poisoning, and an editor in her nightgown with wet hair after taking a shower. They are working together over the Internet in real time via chat and e-mail, doing some final edits to the proof of the July/August issue. This scene is taking place tonight, right here, right now. In this line of work, there is no such thing as nine to five.

Motherproof

2008-06-23T20:38:00.000-07:00

My mother is BMC News' proofreader -- that is no secret. She gets a credit in the masthead and everything. Vikki and I refer to the draft my mother handles as the "motherproof." And indeed, having your mother as a key volunteer can make the process rather interesting. For example, when we disagree on a change, it can turn into a major argument that can end up being about a whole lot more than just whether or not a comma should go in that particular spot. There is always a risk of tempers flaring when working with someone you're related to or intimately involved with. Isn't it so ironic we tend to get along better with acquaintances and those we know casually, than the people closest to us in our lives? That is my profound question of the evening. Over and out.

Proofing the Paper

2008-06-22T11:16:00.000-07:00

Proofing the paper is one of the most intense processes of putting BMC News together. Vikki and I send changes and corrections back and forth until we have a working proof, which then goes to my mother for official proofreading, then back and forth again until everything is in place. It can be a stressful time, but once it is sent off to the printer it is out of our hands. A fact of the publishing business is that you can have ten proofreaders, and you will still end up with some errors in the finished product, but the goal is to produce as clean copy as possible. Of course, there are some people who enjoy hunting through the paper trying to find small errors and typos - my feeling? If that is all they have to do with their time then I am glad we're giving them something productive to do.

Commitment

2008-06-20T08:14:00.001-07:00

I've been thinking a lot about commitment lately -- and not just because of recent developments in my personal life. A volunteer-driven, non-profit organization require a lot of commitment on the parts of the people who run it. Most of those people are volunteers, donating their time. I have a lot of respect for people who have full lives, and yet find the time to give to BMC News. I also respect people who say no when they have to. After all, it's better to be upfront than take something on knowing one does not have the time or resources to fulfill the duties. I am a volunteer with various organizations, so I know how busy life can get when one gets overcommitted. But I also know the rewards of volunteerism, especially knowing the impact of my work for a cause or in a community. Our volunteers rock, and I never hesitate to say so!

Production and Spiderwebs

2008-06-19T08:25:00.000-07:00

Vikki and I are in that nebulous zone called "production." We often like to call it our monthly Tetris game, as we try to get all of the articles and photos to fit clearly and cleanly on each page. This is our July/August issue, and after we put this one to bed we have a one-month break until things start to gear up for September's paper.

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Our office is in a basement, which has worked out pretty well thus far. It's a wonderful building and location. But, being a basement, sometimes we have a few unwanted visitors. Like spiders. I hate spiders. A couple of evenings ago we were having a board meeting, and I felt something light tickling my leg off and on. I looked down from where I was sitting, and there was this strand of a spider's web bouncing on me. I tried to brush it away with my leg, but it kept swinging back. I tried to step on it, but again, it would just spring back as soon as I lifted my foot up.

While John, our Treasurer, was trying to give his report, I stood up and started stomping on the thing. But still, it kept coming back. I told John just to ignore me and keep going. He said that was probably impossible. Tim, one of our co-chairs, got up and grabbed the web with his hand and sort of dangled it as Deb (our other co-chair) and I were gasping in horror.

I have no idea how long the web was there -- I had been working at my desk much of the afternoon and noticed nothing -- but I am glad it is gone!

Welcome to Our Blog!

2008-06-18T08:36:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Boyle McCauley News blog! So much happens behind the scenes when producing this community newspaper, that we thought it would be interesting to try to document some of it. Every month we have a lot of work, laughs, fun, and sometimes even tears. We invite you on the ride with us!