Employment Readiness Classes

VVCA News & Events, , ,

The Saskatoon Open Door Society is recruiting participants for their February employment readiness classes – Financial Services Preparation, Customer Service & Canadian Essential Workplace Training, and Security Guard Course.

Interested participants may contact Maria Magno, Employment Counselor at mmagno@sods.sk.ca or 306-653-4464 ext 367 for more information or to register.

Financial Services Preparation:
Are you an internationally-trained business professional with previous training or experience in the field of banking and finance, customer service, sales and marketing?
The Employer Connections Program of the Saskatoon Open Door Society is pleased to announce that we are holding a 4-week employment-readiness Financial Services Prep class in partnership with RBC Royal Bank.
FSP offers you:
– A smooth transition into the Canadian labour market
– Career exploration in the financial services industry
– Job search guidance, resume, cover letter and interview preparation workshop
– A speed mentoring session
Who can join?
– Newcomers who are eligible to work in Canada
– Must speak, read, and write English at CLB level 6+
– With work experience in a business-related field
– With post secondary education in a non-regulated profession (i.e. banking, finance, administration)
– Committed to attend classes for 4 weeks
Space is limited to 12 participants. We will conduct information sessions on the following dates:
January 20th (Tuesday), at 11:00 am
January 29th (Thursday) at 10:00 am
Classes start February 2, 2015, 9:30am – 3:30pm

Customer Service & Canadian Essential Workplace Training
We are pleased to announce that we are holding a Customer Service & Canadian Essential Workplace Training
in partnership with Tim Hortons.
Phase One of training will take place at 100-129 3rd Ave North
January 26-28 from 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Phase Two will be on site at Tim Hortons
Who can attend?
Candidates must be
Job Ready, 18+ years, and have at least CLB 4
Space is limited to 10 participants.
Register quickly and we will let you know as soon as possible if you have been selected.

Saskatchewan Justice Security Guard Course
In partnership with GARDAWORLD, the Employer Connections Program of the Saskatoon Open Door Society is pleased to announce that we are holding a 40-hour Saskatchewan Justice regulated, lecture-based course which is mandatory for new applicatns entering into the security industry in the province of Saskatchewan.
Training is February 17th through to February 27th, 2015, Mon-Fri., 8:30am-12:00pm (noon), at the 1st Floor of the Macro Property Building, 115 1st Ave North.
Space is limited to 15 participants. So please get on the waiting list quickly and we will let you know as soon as possible if you have been selected.
Who can join?
– 18 years old or older
– Valid Class 5 driver’s license is recommended but not mandatory
– CLB 5+
– Committed to 100% attendance
– Training Fee for Open Door clients is $200, required before class starts

Coldest Night of the Year Walk

VVCA News & Events, , ,

The Coldest Night of the Year is a fantastically fun, family-friendly walking fundraiser that raises money for the hungry, homeless and hurting in 80+ communities across Canada on Saturday, February 21st, 2015.

The Bridge & Lighthouse serve people living with poverty in Saskatoon. Your involvement in the WALK will impact hundreds of lives in a positive way, helping build a bright future that once seemed out of reach. The Lighthouse exists to help people reach their potential by providing emergency shelter, supported living, and affordable housing for anyone who is in need of a place to call home. The Bridge exists to bring people together, to meet needs within Saskatoon’s inner city, so that ALL would be changed. The Bridge is in the beginning stages of expanding the programs and services it currently runs to include Transitional Program Housing.

Start/Finish: The Lighthouse
Times: Here’s the schedule for the walk:
4:00 – Registration opens
4:30 – 10 KM Walk begins
4:45 – 5KM Walk begins
5:00 – 2KM Walk begins, Registration closes
7:30 – Route closes

Between 6:00 and 7:30 pm a warm, light meal will be served to all walkers and volunteers. So, be sure to linger with us afterwards, share some laughs, hang with some friends and celebrate the walk – at least till you warm up.

Registration:
Registration opens at 4:00 pm. All 10 and 5 km walkers should try to be there at four to ensure start times will be kept. (If walkers are late for registration, and therefore late for their distance’s start time, they will be asked to walk a shorter route, with the next start time. ) All walkers must check-in and sign a waiver form before participating. Please come prepared with:
– All cash and cheques payable to “Coldest Night of the Year”
– Pledge sheet with all donor data filled out completely and neatly OR
– Post all pledges of cash and cheques online in your personal fundraising page and print off the “My Donor List” and bring with cash or cheques**.
– Bring a signed WAIVER FORM available online under TOOLS / FORMS on the main site .

Note: Walkers who raise $150 (adults) or $75 (youth aged 13-17) do NOT have to pay the $25 registration fee.

Coldest Night of the Year website.

Saskatchewan Blue Cross MS Walk

VVCA News & Events, , ,

Canada has the highest rate of MS in the world. Based on current incidence rates, the MS Society of Canada estimates that approximately 1000 new cases of MS are diagnosed in Canada each year, which means three more Canadians are diagnosed with MS every day. Chances are you have a relative, friend, coworker, acquaintance or classmate with the condition.

“My experience with multiple sclerosis began early: I was a teenager when my mom was diagnosed. At first, I don’t think I really understood what was going on. Her MS was mild for the most part. That has changed recently as my mother approaches retirement. It scares me that my mom might not be able to walk, and even more, not enjoy her retirement.”
– Rhonda Head, Saskatoon Saskatchewan Blue Cross MS Walker

Lace up your walking shoes and take a step for someone you love. Join us in the fight to end MS. The 25th Anniversary Saskatchewan Blue Cross MS Walk in Saskatoon takes place on April 26th, 2015 at the Archibald Arena. As a national incentive, register by January 31st and be entered to win a vacation package valued at $1500! For more information on the contest including rules and eligibility and to register for the event please visit www.mswalks.ca or call 244-2114.

Infill Guidelines – A Balanced Plan

VVCA News & Events, , ,

 

Infill-letter-Jan-2015-design

Infill-letter-Jan-2015-design

VVCA and other community associations long have been advocating for regulations that provide sensible solutions and expect ”a positive net yield” to the community from new developments. To raise the profile and level of discussion of the issue in the city, VVCA and other CA from across Saskatoon’s co-hosted a public lecture by world-renowned infill specialist, Harold Madi which was praised by city officials, progressive developers, as well as the public.

The current proposed guideline process been open and public with multiple opportunities for stakeholder input. The city’s administration is to be commended for this open and dynamic process which to my knowledge, is unprecedented in Saskatoon. Hundreds of hours of dialogue and discussion have formed the current document as well as countless hours by civic officials and a volunteer committee to examine the minutiae of each building parameter and fine-tune the details.

This carefully brokered compromise is at risk if council hesitates to pass the proposal in its current form. This delay and potential failure flies in the face of the resources invested in City of Saskatoon staff time, in addition to thousands of hours of citizens’ input. VVCA sees a dire need to implement well-thought development guidelines as our community faces new developments with outdated bylaw tools.

We encourage city council to adopt the proposals and listen to the voice of citizens. It would be sound thinking to ask which individuals or special interests groups benefit from the 11th hour lobbying or a potential failed compromise.

James Perkins
President, VVCA

For Star Phoenix article published on January 16 on this topic by James click here.

Kidney Foundation needs canvassers

VVCA News & Events, , ,

Did you know that DIABETES and HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE are the leading causes of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?

The Saskatoon Branch of The Kidney Foundation of Canada is committed to reducing the burden of kidney disease by funding innovative research, providing education and support, and increasing public awareness of kidney health and organ donation.

The Saskatoon Branch of the Kidney Foundation of Canada needs canvassers for our March Drive taking place March 14-22, 2015.

Volunteer 2 hours of your time. Call us at (306) 664-8588.

Nutana Neighbourhood Traffic Review

VVCA News & Events, , ,

Thursday, January 9, 2015
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Albert Community Centre
610 Clarence Avenue South

On October 1, 2013, Nutana neighbourhood residents participated in discussion and identified issues and ideas to address traffic concerns in their neighbourhood. On September 9, 2014 residents provided comments on the Draft Neighbourhood Traffic Plan.

On Thursday, January 8, 2015 Nutana residents, business owners, property owners, local groups and other stakeholders will have the opportunity to comment on:

– Revised traffic control in the area bound by Clarence Avenue, Victoria Avenue, 12th Street and 8th Street (including Main Street and cut-through traffic)
– Dufferin Avenue sample roundabouts
– 9th Street shortcutting issues – Idylwyld Drive directional closure and removal of roundabout at McPherson Avenue
– The intersections of 14th Street/Temperance Street/Lansdowne Avneue safety issues – roadway realignment

The meeting will be hosted by the City of Saskatoon, Transportation Division.

Please join us as we discuss the traffic issues the affect you and your neighbourhood.

For drawings of the proposed changes please visit the Shaping Saskatoon webpage

The Big Shred

VVCA News & Events, ,

Join us on Saturday, May 2 from 9 am to 12 noon for The Big Shred!

This is your chance to quickly shred all those old bank and utility statements, tax files (2007 and earlier), files, notes, outdated documents, books, magazines, etc., as well as hard drives and CDs. The team includes our partner, Shred-It, who will promptly shred your documents in the parking lot of McClure United Church at 4025 Taylor St. (at McKercher). As well, help prevent personal identity theft. You can watch as volunteers place your private, personal or confidential paper into the Shred-It company truck’s shredder!

The service is by donation (suggested $10 per box, or $5 per shopping bag) to assist the McClure Place Foundation in paying down the mortgage at Amy McClure House, the personal care home for up to 23 residents and built in 2005. Help yourself and your family by getting rid of that unwanted yet personal material!

2015 Waste and Recycling Calendar

VVCA News & Events, , ,

2015 COLLECTIONS CALENDAR INCLUDES BLACK, BLUE AND GREEN CART SCHEDULES

The 2015 Waste and Recycling Calendar has been expanded to feature all three black, blue and the optional green cart schedules in one easy-to-follow format.

Every household will receive the new calendar which outlines the garbage, recycling and yard waste curbside cart collection days specific to their home address. It also provides useful information on how to use and place carts for pick-up, how to subscribe to the optional green cart program ($55 in 2015), as well as other waste recycling and disposal options around the city. The Calendar also reflects the recent change to garbage collection frequency during April and October from once a week to once every two weeks.
A searchable, online version of the calendar is also available to help residents to avoid missed collections. Through SaskatoonRecycles.ca, citizens can search their cart schedules by their home address and also sign up for free collection day reminders by email or phone. In 2015, garbage and recycling will be collected on the same day of the week as in 2014, except in the City Park and Exhibition neighbourhoods where recycling collection day is changing to Thursdays starting January 8.

The 2015 Waste and Recycling Calendar will be in your mailbox around December 24.

Varsity View Neighbourhood Traffic Review

VVCA News & Events, ,

Thursday, December 11, 2014
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Albert Community Centre
610 Clarence Avenue South

Residents of the Varsity View neighbourhood are invited to attend a public meeting to review and discuss a draft traffic plan for their area. The meeting will be hosted by the City of Saskatoon, Transportation Division.

On January 21, 2014 Varsity View residents participated in discussions and identified ideas and solutions to address traffic concerns in their neighbourhood. Based on feedback and information received during this meeting, other sources, traffic counts and existing traffic studies, the Transportation Division has prepared a draft area-wide traffic plan. The meeting on December 11th will provide Varsity View residents, business owners, property owners, local groups and other stakeholders an opportunity to comment on specific traffic adjustments being proposed for this neighbourhood.

Please join us as we discuss the traffic issues that affect you and your neighbourhood.

Registration Night – January 8, 2015

VVCA News & Events,

Our Registration for the winter programs is January 8, 2015. It will take place in the small gym at Brunskill 7 – 8:30 pm.
There are a few changes from the leisure guide and are as follows:
– Play & Sign – Wednesday instead of Thursday 6 – 7 pm
– Zumba – take note of new time

See the new Program list here.

New Programs

Family Stargazing – Library – 7:30 pm – 9pm Only 10 families can participate
Mondays FEB 2, 9, 23, March 2
Consists of short talks and related group activities
Topics: Intro to stars and star gazing
The sun and planets
Identifying constellations
Meteors, meteorites and Aurora Borealis
Each class is approx. 80 minutes and includes telescope viewing

Core Workout – 30 minute workout for abs, back, glutes and hips. A strong core not only improves appearance but increases energy, and makes us less prone to injury. Our goal in the class will be both to gradually increase our strength in these areas and to create a work out that we can do at home between classes.

Alphabet Soup – a Read Saskatoon program – STARTING MARCH 4
– Location is Albert Community Center corner of 12th Street and Clarence Ave
Family program similar to Romp N Read
Two hours 9:30 am -11:30am
Games, stories, and learn about eating healthy snacks and meals
10 Families Children babies to 5 years accompanied by parent or guardian

Also if you have registered for the Learn to skate program you do not have to register again! The instructor will be getting in contact with everyone concerning the program!

ONLY U6 REC SOCCER SIGN UP! ALL OTHERS WILL HAVE A SEPERATE NIGHT WHICH INFO WILL POSTED ON WEBSITE, IN SCHOOL NEWSLETTER and BULLETIN BOARD FOR SPRING LEAGUE!!!

I guess that just about covers it except come on out and try something new or continue on with your programs! See you on the 8th of January!

CISV Saskatoon – Building Global Friendship

VVCA News & Events, , ,

Saskatoon’s CISV chapter is searching for enthusiastic youth to participate in an International Summer Camp in July 2015. They are preparing delegations that will represent Canada at various different camps located in Norway, Argentina, USA and Brazil. During the camp delegates will gain attitudes, skills and knowledge they require to become active global citizens. They will develop cross cultural understanding through friendship and make memories that last a life time. Each delegation will have 2 boys, 2 girls and a leader from their country.

CISV Educates and Inspires Action for a More Just and Peaceful World.

For more information or to apply for a program please contact us at cisvsaskatoon@gmail.com or by calling Alanna at 306-683-3695. You can find us on facebook “CISV Saskatoon” or visit our website at www.cisvsaskatoon.org

MEND! Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do it!

VVCA News & Events, , , ,

We know keeping kids healthy is hard — MEND empowers children and families to become fitter, healthier and happier!

Learn how to make healthier lifestyle choices for your entire family. Check out MEND!

MEND 2-4 (2 to 4 year olds)
MEND 5-7 (5 to 7 year olds)
MEND 7-13 (7-13 year olds)

MEND is a is a FREE program for families and children ages 2 to 13. The mission of MEND is to inspire children, families and adults to lead and sustain fitter, healthier and happier lives. MEND programs are designed for specific age groups and provide a supportive environment for families to interact, learn skills to change behavior, and make healthy lifestyle choices through healthy eating and increased physical activity.

You will learn about:
· Healthy eating and mealtime habits
· How to read food labels
· What serving sizes look like
· Building self esteem
· Active play
· Positive parenting
· Behavior change strategies
· Healthy growth

MEND offers programs for the following:
· MEND 2-4 is a perfect program if you have a picky or fussy eater! The MEND 2-4 program uses play-based learning plus behavioural and parenting skills training (Mind) to help families become physically active (Exercise) and make informed food choices (Nutrition). It’s all based within a practical, fun and supportive philosophy of inspiring and motivating change (Do it!) in a community setting. The program runs once per week over 10 weeks. Each session is 90 minutes long

· MEND 5-7 program is a healthy lifestyle program for 5-7 year olds who are at risk of, or are above a healthy weight and their families. The program empowers children and families to gain skills to make healthy lifestyle choices around healthy eating, physical activity and self-confidence. The program has 10 sessions spread over 10 weeks. Each session is 1 hour and 45 minute long. Families will learn healthy eating and mealtime routines, reading food labels, what serving and healthy portions look like and being an active family!

· MEND 7-13 is a healthy lifestyle program for 7 to 13 year olds who are above a healthy weight. MEND 7-13 program combines physical activity, healthy eating and behaviour change to facilitate safe, effective weight management and lasting lifestyle change. MEND 7-13 is not a diet and does not encourage rapid width loss. Families learn skills and information that support long-term lifestyle changes. Families are better equipped to feel fitter, healthier and happier for the rest of their lives. It involves two – 1 or 2-hour sessions every week for eight weeks.

Details can be found on the MEND web site www.kinesiology.usask.ca