Edmonton is home to a number of fantastic neighbourhoods filled with great homes and many amenities. If you’re planning on moving to areas like Stony Plain, Parkland County acreages, Spruce Grove, or any other area in the Edmonton region, it’s important to learn as much as you can about the neighbourhood that you’ll soon be calling home. One issue you might want to learn about is parking enforcement, especially in the winter when snow tends to take over the roads. If you want to avoid getting ticketed or towed on a regular basis, here is the low-down on winter parking regulations in Edmonton.

Edmonton Offers Blading Services to Clear Roadways

Those who own a piece of Edmonton real estate know how harsh winters can be. It doesn’t take long before mounds of snow start covering the roads and walkways, making it tough not only to drive, but also to find a parking spot. The City of Edmonton offers a 24-hour ploughing operation for blading the streets. Every time a bus route or road has been fully bladed, the City informs residents. The city makes a new snow blading schedule after every major snowfall.

Windrows Take Up Parking Spaces and Create Parking Bans

Ploughing is necessary to clear the roadways and bus routes, but the end result is usually huge mounds of snow, called “windrows”, sitting on the sides of the roads and in parking spaces. After the city clears the driving lanes, the next step is to widen the narrowed roadways. In order to do that, cars need to steer clear of parking along these roadways to make room for city workers to get rid of these windrows and open up this much needed space.

Seasonal Parking Ban During Winter

In order for city workers to be able to get rid of these massive snow piles on Edmonton city streets, a seasonal parking ban is placed on designated bus routes after a big snowfall. Residents will be notified at least 8 hours in advance through a news conference, radio announcement, postings on Twitter and Facebook, email messages, and on the City of Edmonton’s Transportation webpage. Once this seasonal parking ban is in effect, cars that are parked where “Seasonal Parking Ban” signs are placed must be moved right away.

Targeted Parking Ban After Major Snowfall

A targeted parking ban is slightly different from a seasonal parking ban. These parking bans are put in effect in Edmonton areas only during times when specific roads need immediate ploughing. ‘No Parking’ signs will be temporarily placed on targeted routes 24 hours before the ploughs come out. This targeted parking ban will be enforced with tickets or towing if vehicles aren’t moved between 7 AM and 7 PM.

Parking Tickets Issued During Winter Parking Ban

A parking ticket isn’t the best to wake up to in the morning in your Edmonton home. Yet hundreds – if not thousands – of drivers get slapped with a ticket during every winter parking ban. The City of Edmonton does everything they can to get the message out there to motorists about the parking ban, including its schedule. But for those who don’t comply, parking tickets and even car towing will be enforced. Parking enforcement usually comes in the form of a $50 ticket. If you don’t move your illegally parked vehicle after a certain amount of time, it could be towed, at a further expense.

The winter parking regulations in Edmonton are just a fraction of what there is to know about this great city and its suburbs. I’m happy to help you sort through any queries you might have about Edmonton acreages, or any other real estate queries. Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

When it comes to the winter season in Alberta, some definite certainties are snow, ice, and freezing cold temperatures. But just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean it has to be cold inside. While the elements can make it more challenging to keep warm in a cost-effective way, there are things that homeowners in the Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and the Edmonton region can do to lessen the amount they pay to heat their homes. Here’s a list of five easy ways for homeowners to cut their heating bills this winter.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Homeowners with Spruce Grove real estate or Stony Plain real estate—or consumers interested in the region—can help to lessen their home heating bills by heading over to their nearest home improvement store and picking up programmable thermostats. Once the thermostat is installed, homeowners will be able to program the units to bring the temperature down a few notches when their homes are unoccupied or when people are sleeping. By keeping things nice and toasty only when homes are occupied, homeowners can take a little bit of the sting out of their next home heating bill.

Get a Furnace Tune-up

An annual furnace tune-up performed by a certified professional will keep furnaces working optimally. When furnaces are working properly and efficiently, the end result will be savings on the home heating front for homeowners with Parkland County real estate. Routine maintenance will also lower the odds of system failure at the worst possible time.

Remember Furnace Filter Maintenance

Homeowners with Edmonton acreages should, in addition to having their furnaces professionally serviced, be sure to either replace or clean their furnace filters as per the frequency recommended in manuals that came with their units. Failing to do this will compromise the efficiency of the equipment and lead to higher heating bills. Some filters can be cleaned and reused while others need to be thrown out and replaced. It’s up to homeowners to determine which type they have.

Insulate Against the Cold

Improperly insulated homes will cost more to keep warm, since furnaces will have to work harder to compensate. Whether independently or with the help of contractors, homeowners with Edmonton real estate should insulate any areas requiring insulation. Key areas where heat can escape homes include attics, walls, and crawl spaces. Once their homes have been properly insulated, homeowners will find not only that their residences are cozier, but also that their heating bills are lower than usual.

Seal the Leaks

Homeowners with Parkland County acreages would probably be surprised to learn how much cold air can enter their residences through cracks and gaps. Fortunately, they can pick up some sealant solutions sold at home improvement stores to seal out the cold air. Areas to watch out for include doorways, window frames, and duct work.

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean that homeowners have to settle for chilly climates inside their homes. Following the aforementioned tips will help to keep homes warm and reduce heating bills.

I am always willing to answer any home-related questions you might have! Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

February in the Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and Edmonton region can be a dreary month.  Everybody’s tired of winter’s cold, snow and dark, while Christmas and New Year’s celebrations are just a distant memory.  But this short month actually provides lots of opportunities to add a festive touch to day-to-day life.

Chinese New Year

While not a February holiday in 2014 (the Year of the Horse officially begins on January 31, 2014), the lunar new year does often belong on a list of this type.  The Wikipedia article tells us that the lunar new year can occur as early as January 22 or as late as the 19^th of February (get ready for the Year of the Goat starting Feb 19, 2015!).  Should you celebrate it this year with dragon costumes, dancing, food, fireworks, money in red paper envelopes, paper lanterns and more?  Did I mention food?  Why not?!

SuperBowl , February 2, 2014

In the US, the first Sunday in February every year is the championship game of the National Football League and is known as much for its great TV commercials (which, sadly, we Canadians often don’t get to see!) as for the game itself.

Groundhog Day, February 2

We all know the story that if the sun shines on Feb 2 and the groundhog sees his shadow, scaring him back into his burrow, oops, 6 more weeks of winter.  Big deal in Alberta where we’re happy if only another 6 weeks of winter is all we see!  Canada actually has three famous groundhogs making their predictions:  Balzac Billy in southern Alberta, Wiarton Willy in Ontario and Shubenacadie Sam in Nova Scotia.  Wiarton Willy, whose festival began in 1956, even has his own statue and is the star of a big winter festival.  Of course, we all know rodents can’t predict the weather, but it’s fun to be reminded that winter will eventually end, and the day gives us a good excuse to watch Bill Murray’s Groundhog Day movie!

February 2 is also the date of a Christian holiday celebrated by many devout Catholics around the world:  Candlemas.   Check out the article in Time and Date.com.

Winter Olympics, February 7-23, 2014, Sochi, Russia

Even non-sports fans find themselves caught up in the hoopla, pageantry and emotion of triumph and defeat at the Olympic Games.  Lots of televisions in Canadian homes will be tuned in to the Games this month.  Whether you just like to watch the opening and closing ceremonies, cheer on your favorite athlete or team, or follow all the events avidly, the Olympics offer another great chance to show our national pride.

Valentine’s Day, February 14

Cupid with his bow and arrow, red cinnamon heart candies, chocolate in heart-shaped boxes, gifts of flowers or jewelry, Valentine’s Day cards exchanged by school kids, mushy romantic ones for the grown-ups…  Love the holiday and get involved, or throw an Anti-Valentine’s Day party!

National Flag of Canada Day, February 15

We Canadians are proud to wear and fly the red maple leaf, but I think most of us are a little hazy when it comes to some of the finer points of our nation’s history.  I wonder how many people these days remember just how young our flag is.  Here is some trivia for you:  Canada’s flag was designed by George F. G. Stanley, who was inspired by the flag of the Royal Military College of Canada.  The design was selected by a multi-party parliamentary committee on October 29, 1964 and approved by the House of Commons on December 15, 1964.  Queen Elizabeth II proclaimed the new flag on January 28, 1965 and it was inaugurated on February 15, 1965, replacing the country’s Red Ensign flag.  In 1996 1,000,000 flags were distributed to Canadians in the One in a Million National Flag Challenge for 1997.  Next year, in 2015, our flag will be 50 years old.  How should we celebrate?

Family Day in Alberta, February 17, 2014

Premier Don Getty back in 1990 was responsible for this holiday, making Alberta the first Canadian province to declare a day off work in February, recognizing time for family and the importance of family values.  Nowadays, many communities in Alberta stage special events on Family Day.  What are your plans for this special day?

Do you know why February has just 28 days, instead of 30 or 31?

Blame the Romans who created the calendar.  There are many explanations and theories about this, but it really comes down to February being a month that nobody liked much!

Is February a good month to buy or sell a house?  You bet!  Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

Moving is one of those necessary and stressful life events we all experience.  If you are moving to or from Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County or the Edmonton region, you’ll need to pass on your new address to many people, businesses, organizations, etc.  The list below will ensure you don’t forget anybody!

Government Agencies

(information courtesy of Service Canada:

☐  Canada Post (visit your local post office or change your address online)

☐  Canada Revenue Agency

☐  Alberta Motor Vehicle Registry (driver’s licence and vehicle registrations)

☐  Alberta Health Services

☐  Employment Insurance, if you are receiving benefits

☐  Canada Pension Plan / Old Age Security, if you are receiving benefits

☐  Canadian Firearms Centre, if you have a firearms licence.

☐  Any other government or local authorities for any additional licences you may have (e.g. hunting licence, business licence, etc.)

☐  Passport:  Did you know that you don’t have to inform anybody official to change the address on your passport?  Passport Canada says:  “A change of address does not invalidate a passport. Please cross out the old address on page 4 and write the new one in the space above the old address. Do not use correction fluid. If the space in the passport is insufficient, write the new information on a separate piece of paper and insert it into the passport.”

Utilities & Home Services

☐  Electric

☐  Gas

☐  Water

☐  Garbage, recycling

☐  Telephone / Mobile

☐  Cable, satellite

☐  Internet

☐  Newspaper delivery

☐  Water delivery / Water treatment

☐  Housecleaning services

☐  Lawn / Garden services

☐  Pool services

☐  Snow removal services

☐  Alarm or security company

Health Care & Personal Services

☐  Doctors / Health clinics

☐  Dentist, orthodontist, etc.

☐  Chiropractor, physical therapist, massage therapist, personal trainer, etc.

☐  Optometrist, optician, etc.

☐  Pharmacy

☐  Babysitter, day care

☐  Diaper service

☐  Barber / Hairstylist

☐  Veterinarian, pet care providers (kennels, groomers, etc.) (Tip: Get vet to check that the address attached to your pet’s microchip is up-to-date)

Financial & Legal

☐  Accountant

☐  Banks (transfer accounts to a branch near your new home, order new cheques, re-direct automatic deposits and payments)

☐  Lenders and loan companies (mortgage, auto, student loan, home equity)

☐  Credit card companies, department store credit card companies (Tip:  Put a “travel notification” on your credit cards when leaving home, especially if moving across country or out of the country.)

☐  Financial advisor, investment firms, broker

☐  Retirement plan holders

☐  Insurance companies (home, life, health, auto.  Tip: Check on your property insurance coverage for the time your possessions are on the move)

☐  Lawyer

Employment & Education

☐  Old employers

☐  New employers

☐  Alumni associations

☐  Your children’s schools, colleges, private lessons or extracurricular activities (sports, scouting, etc.)

☐  Public library, if you are a member

Clubs & Organizations

☐  Social

☐  Athletic (gym memberships)

☐  Religious (churches)

☐  Civic & political (community associations, political parties)

☐  Business & professional

Subscriptions

☐  Magazines, newspapers

☐  Mail order houses, catalogues

☐  Book, music clubs

☐  Loyalty programs (AirMiles, etc.)

☐  Charities

☐  Memberships with benefit plans (such as AMA/CAA, CARP, etc.)

☐  Museums, theaters, etc. (seasons tickets)

☐  Holders of warranties (auto, home equipment, etc.)

And of course, don’t forget to pass on your new address to family and friends!  Tip:  Give a neighbor or your landlord a printed card with your new address so they can forward information and mail on to you.

Tip:  In the months leading up to your move, keep track of who sends you mail regularly and collect any change of address forms that come with your subscriptions.  You can then customize your own change of address list.

Tip:  You probably know already that if you are moving to study or work, many things may be tax deductible such as:  fees for the sale of your house (real estate agents’ commissions), lawyers’ fees for the purchase of your new house, mortgage penalty fees for selling your house before the end of the mortgage term, cancellation fees for ending the lease prematurely at your rented residence, moving fees or storage fees, subsistence fees (meals and lodging) near your former or new residence, etc.  Check with your accountant or income tax preparer.

The above works for your physical address, but what about your online presence?

• Change the postal code or city you’ve programmed into web-based services you subscribe to, such as weather reports, local news reports, coupon services like Groupon and the like.
• Once you’ve settled into your new home, let your online correspondents know you’ve arrived by posting a quick Facebook or Twitter message, or sending out a short email.
• If you’ll be changing your email address, keep track of who sends you emails so that you can pass on your new one.

Need more help with moving?  Check out my Moving Guide for a detailed checklist of everything you need to do.

I welcome your comments and questions!  Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca or contact me here.

The brutal winter we’ve been experiencing in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County, the Edmonton region and elsewhere in Canada has us pining for spring.  That may lead to thoughts of sprucing up our homes either to improve our living situation or to get our property ready to sell.

Whether your remodeling project is big or small, whether you do it yourself or hire out the work, every reno project has certain phases that must be completed in detail to ensure the job is done right.  We’ve all heard the stories about disastrous renovation projects.  Chances are good those projects failed because some vital step was missed or skipped over.

Step One:  Get Inspired

You may have been dreaming about the final result of your project for a while.  Now is the time to get those ideas out of your head and into a more concrete form.  Jot down a general outline of what the finished product will be.  Gather photos (or swatches, paint chips, etc.) from everywhere – magazines, advertising flyers and brochures, the Internet, your own photos from store displays or homes you’ve visited – that represent what you have in mind.  Pinterest is a great tool for collecting and organizing items you’ve found online.

Step Two:  Design the Details

Fill in the outline you created in Step One with every detail you can think of to turn the dream into reality.  Let’s say your project is to repaint three bedrooms in your home, replace the flooring and the baseboards.  What must be done to make this happen?  Your list might include things like which room will be tackled first, moving out all the furniture, choosing paint and flooring brand, type and color, researching costs, purchasing the paint and painting supplies, possibly researching and hiring painters, installers and so on.  Note that we are still very much in the thinking and planning stages, not doing!

Step Three:  Gather Specific Information

Now you are going to do some of the things on the list you created in Step Two.  Research products, especially quality, sources and costs, online, in stores, and by talking to people who have had experience with the project you are planning (friends, neighbors, contractors, etc.)  Write everything down!  Now is also when you will make some decisions about who will do the actual work.  If you decide the project is beyond your skill or capability, you will need to research, talk to and get estimates from reliable contractors.  Does your project require special building permits or inspections, permission from your insurance company and the like?

Step Four:  Set a Budget

With all the information you’ve obtained from your research, a fairly accurate estimate of costs is now possible, and that may lead to some hard decisions.  Have you considered needs vs. wants?  How will you pay for the project; that is, do you have the money in the bank, or can you finance the project over a period of time?  Have you compared prices and talked at length with suppliers, contractors and the like to get the very best deal?  Write down in detail the estimated costs – and then build in a cushion of 10 to 25%!

Remember that your budget should also reflect the time the project will take to complete, and build in a realistic cushion here too.  Renovations are notoriously stressful because they do take time, and they do cause disruption in a household.  Now is the time to think everything through and consider exactly how you will cope.  By the way, be sure to contact your insurance company and let them in on your plans.

Step Five:  Get ‘er Done

The person who said “measure twice, cut once” knew that careful consideration and planning, working through every detail and eventuality, preparing for every possibility should result in a great conclusion to your renovation.  Organize your information and details into a systematic step by step format of what needs to be done, when and by whom, refining the lists you’ve been creating in all the previous steps.  Work from these lists and timelines, and check things off as things are completed.  Does this mean your project will be without hiccups?  Maybe not, but you’ll have far fewer of them if you’ve worked through the first four steps above as thoroughly and carefully as possible.

Step Six:  Evaluate the Results

The reno is complete and now all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the end product.  Right?  Not quite.  Make sure you add new items in your home to your home inventory.  Take photos or videos.  Let your insurance company know what’s new in your home.  Add the records, bills, warranties and so on to your home file for things such as home appraisals, taxes, resale purposes, etc.  And finally, pat yourself on the back for a job well done!

Ready to put your freshly renovated home on the market?  Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

CC Photo supplied by Falls Avenue Vintage Fashion

Residents of Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and the Edmonton area shuddered in horror during the last two weeks of December 2013 as ice storms in eastern Canada caused power outages that left people shivering in the dark, not for hours, but for days.  No power meant no heat, no lights, no way to keep food from spoiling, in many cases no water and no way to cook food.  Many of us started thinking about our own dependence on the electric power grid and what we could do if faced with such a disaster.

One solution might be a backup generator run by diesel, gasoline, propane or natural gas that could at least provide power to essential appliances such as furnace, refrigerator, stove or microwave, and the like.  What do you need to know before you purchase one and attempt to install it on your property?

What size do I need?

When it comes to generators, especially those that can run multiple appliances, bigger is better.  Experts suggest anything smaller than 4500 to 6000 watts just won’t get the job done.

First, determine what items you want to run.  Be aware that a generator is not intended to run every electrical appliance in your home and certainly not at the same time, so some choices will need to be made.  Most people would put things like the furnace, fridge, freezer and stove at the top of their lists.  Add your hot water tank if it is electric, and anything else that would cause undue hardship if you had to live without it for a few days.

You need to know how many watts of power are required to run your chosen items, but even more important is the “start-up wattage” – how much power is required when the item is turned on.  For example, a refrigerator might need 800 watts to run, but 2500 watts to start.  A good chart listing the wattages for selected home appliances is published by Plano Power Equipment.  Many appliances in your home should also have this information printed on them.

Add up the amount of wattage needed for all the items you want to run (don’t forget the lights!), and add 25% more to account for error and also to keep the generator running below its maximum capacity.

Remember too that most of these machines, like your vehicle or lawnmower, run on fuel in tanks that have to be re-filled!  Average continuous running time is about 5 to 7 hours.

How do I manage the power?

One thing to remember:  Turn something OFF before you turn something else ON!

A very good article called “Power On” published by GulfCoastNews.com has some great tips for choosing, operating and installing a portable generator.

The author of this article recommends turning on the refrigerator and freezer first, then a few lights and other low-wattage appliances.  Once everything in the freezer is frozen, unplugging it for a while won’t hurt the contents and you can then run other appliances and equipment.

So, can I just plug in the generator?

Uh, no.  What you’re going to need is a “transfer switch”.  The “Power On” article defines a transfer switch as “a manual three-position switching device that allows power to be channeled to the home’s electrical system either from the utility company power lines or from the generator – not both”.   Why is this important?  “Plugging a generator directly into a wall socket instead of utilizing a transfer switch sets up several potentially deadly scenarios: a short-circuit and electrical fire in the home’s wiring when power is restored; a system short-circuit in the generator causing it to catch fire or explode when power is restored; and the possible electrocution of linemen working to restore power in your area.”  Yikes!

Here’s a good idea, from the same article:  “If you are building a new home [or renovating], consider having the contractor install a sub-panel that is already set up for stand-by power. This saves you money because there’s usually no additional installation labor costs and the generator-ready panel eliminates the need for an additional transfer switch box.”

See also “Portable Generator Safety” from FortisAlberta.

How do I go about installing my portable or stand-by generator?

Take a look at this video called “How to Install a Stand-by Generator” from ThisOldHouse.com.  A little more complicated than buying the thing, bringing it home and turning it on, but chances are, if you ever have to deal with what the poor folks in eastern Canada did, you’ll be very glad you made the effort!

OK, I’m sold!  What do I buy and how much will it cost?

Home Depot has a good article on generators on their website, along with links to information on the generators they sell.     Check out also this page from ConsumerReports.org.   If you are a subscriber, you will be able to access the Consumer Reports ratings on generators.

Personal opinion?  If you’re going to do this, go for the best.  For example, Honda’s Premium series of generators (5000 to 6000 watts) cost in the range of $3000.  (View the spec sheets from Scona Cycle.)  Add in roughly another $750 for installing the transfer switch and incidentals and you will be good to go even if the Edmonton area gets hit with a 2-week-long power outage like Ontario’s.

Comments or questions about this article?  Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

How many incandescent light bulbs are in your home in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County or the Edmonton area?  This isn’t an idle question, or the beginning of a dumb joke, although the ban on incandescent bulbs that went into effect in Canada on January 1, 2014 may seem like a bad joke to some.

In case you missed it, as of January 1, old-fashioned light bulbs in their 75- and 100-watt formats are history in Canada.  You can still buy them until the old stock runs out but no more will be manufactured.  By the end of 2014 the ban will be extended to include the 40- and 60-watt versions.

There are plenty of people who are unhappy about this.  They point out that the incandescent bulb provides a soft warm dimmable light that alternatives such as compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and LEDs can’t match.  They also note that CFLs and especially LEDs are much more expensive to buy.  And CFLs, because they contain mercury, must be disposed of in special facilities, a fact that many people using them may not be aware of.  In addition, CFLs may not work in temperatures less than minus 10 degrees Celsius.  Their lifespan can be significantly reduced if they are turned on and off rapidly, and they have a rare but nasty habit of catching on fire or smoking.

So why the ban on incandescent bulbs?  It’s all about saving the environment.  “In Canada alone, the federal government estimates that CFLs can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than six million tonnes a year, or the equivalent of retiring 1.4 million vehicles. In Germany, the switch to energy-efficient bulbs will save the equivalent capacity of three nuclear reactors.”  (From an article in The Globe and Mail, Dec 27, 2012, entitled “The death of the incandescent light bulb”)

***Check out this great chart comparing the costs, energy efficiencies, environmental impact, advantages and disadvantages of incandescent bulbs vs. CFLs vs. LEDs. ***

More light facts:

• Roughly 90% of the energy used to operate an incandescent bulb dissipates as heat rather than being used to provide light.  (Chicken farmers note that this is actually an advantage in the spring when they are raising baby chicks in a chilly chicken coop!)
• The average life of an incandescent bulb is about 750 to 1000 hours, compared to 6,000 to 15,000 hours for a CFL (“Incandescent light bulb ban starts Jan. 1”)
• Cost to buy:  incandescent bulbs 60 to 80 cents apiece; halogen bulbs around $2 each; CFLs $2.50 to $4; LEDs about $20 per bulb.  (The possibility exists that prices for the newer bulbs, especially LEDs, will decrease once incandescent bulbs are no longer being manufactured.)
• Some incandescent bulbs will be exempt from the ban.  These include lights such as those in ovens and refrigerators that can’t be replaced with alternatives.
• Manufacturers are working on improving the quality of the light in energy-efficient  bulbs.  “Light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, are the next big thing; global lighting company Osram Sylvania, for one, believes it has a winner with its “Ultra LED,” an omnidirectional mercury-free bulb that aims to give all the warmth of a 100-watt incandescent bulb while using just 20 watts of electricity.”  (“The death of the incandescent light bulb”, The Globe and Mail)

Maybe you’ve already made a trip to your local hardware store to buy up remaining stocks of incandescent bulbs, or maybe you’ve decided to give in to the inevitable.  At least we can still buy candles if we want soft warm light with a bit of heat!

What do you think of the ban on incandescent bulbs?  Have you already replaced all your bulbs with the energy-efficient ones?  Your comments and questions are always welcome.  Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

The holiday season always seems to bring out the spirit of giving in people in the Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and Edmonton region.  While most of us exchange gifts with family and friends, many of us actively look for ways to help others.  My assistant told me about her brother and his family living in Vancouver who load up their vehicle every Christmas Day with sandwiches, cookies, oranges and warm beverages to distribute to the homeless on Hastings Street in downtown Vancouver.  I started wondering what opportunities for helping beyond tossing bills into a Salvation Army kettle there might be in our area.

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Local churches

If you belong to a church, you already know the programs and opportunities offered by your church.  If you are looking to join a local church, check out the comprehensive list in my Community Connections Business Directory.  Click on “Jump to Category” and then “Churches: Parkland County”, “Churches: Spruce Grove”, “Churches: Stony Plain”.  This information is also available in the Green Book Community Resource Directory.

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Parkland Food Bank

www.parklandfoodbank.org, 105 Madison Crescent, Spruce Grove AB T7X 3A3

780-962-4565

The Food Bank’s Stuff a Bus campaign ended on November 30, but donations of non-perishable food items and cash are welcomed with gratitude and enthusiasm all year round.  Volunteers will be put to work too!

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Tender Hearts Foundation

See article in The Grove Examiner entitled “Santa’s local workshop in Parkland County”

Shoeboxes containing small gifts and treats are assembled and given to the elderly residents of nursing homes in the Parkland region.  Contact Joann Babineau to donate or volunteer:

#2, 52224, RR 275, Stony Plain AB T7Z 1Z3

Phone 780-968-0065

Email joreid@tbwifi.ca

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Kinette Club of Spruce Grove Christmas Hampers

Working with local schools, businesses and other service clubs, the Kinettes assemble and distribute 100s of hampers containing food, food certificates and gifts to needy families in Spruce Grove.

PO Box 3664, Spruce Grove AB T7X 2A9

780-962-2088

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Kinsmen Club of Stony Plain Christmas Hampers

PO Box 2231, Stony Plain AB T7Z 1X7

780-915-6934

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Parkland Area Youth Emergency Shelter (PAYES)

PO Box 2732, Stony Plain AB T7Z 1Y2

780-963-3595

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Christmas Bureau of Edmonton

“Providing a Festive Meal to Edmonton Families in Need”.  Donations are used to provide food hampers and food certificates.  The Christmas Bureau also coordinates with 630 CHED Santas Anonymous and the Edmonton Sun Adopt-a-Teen program.

Mailing address:  Christmas Bureau of Edmonton, PO BOX 16000, Edmonton AB T5J 4B4

Street address:  2^nd Floor, 4230-118 Ave NW, Edmonton AB T5W 1A4 (2^nd floor of Servus Credit Union Building)

Phone:  780-454-6074

Email:  mail@christmasbureau.ca

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630 CHED Santas Anonymous

Since 1955 providing toys for needy children in Edmonton.  Donations and volunteers welcome all year round, and toys right up until Christmas.  Toy deliveries for 2013 are taking place on December 14 and 15; drivers are always needed.

Santa’s Depot 12345-121 St, Edmonton

Mailing address and year-round donations:  5204-84 St NW, Edmonton AB T6E 5N8

Email:  santa@santasanonymous.ca

780-428-TOYS (8697)

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Edmonton Sun Adopt-a-Teen Program

Providing gifts for teens aged 13-17 from low income families in the Edmonton area.

2^nd  Floor, 4230-118 Ave, Edmonton AB T5W 1A4

info@adoptateenedmonton.ca

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Women’s Shelters:

Women’s shelters are always in need of clothing, bedding, toiletries and children’s articles including toys, but the need is especially acute at Christmas.  Contact them to find out how you can help.

—Edmonton Women’s Shelter (WIN House)

PO Box 20088, Edmonton AB T5W 5E6

780-471-6709

ewsed@winhouse.org

—Lurana Shelter 

780-429-2002

director@luranashelter.com

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Youth Empowerment and Support Services

(formerly Youth Emergency Shelter Society)

9310-82 Ave, Edmonton AB T6C 0Z6

780-468-7070

yess@yess.org

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The Mustard Seed Edmonton 

Christmas Giving Opportunities.  http://www.theseed.ca/Christmas-Giving-Opportunities-Edmonton.html  Click on this link for a list of specific items (such as a travel mug filled with a coffee gift certificate, thermal socks, hand wipes, bus tickets, pocket hand warmers and a note of encouragement) that this organization gives to the needy at Christmas.

Mailing address:  PO Box 1842, Main Post Office, Edmonton AB T5J 2P2

Street address:  10568-114 St, Edmonton AB

780-426-5600

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So many formal organizations exist for helping others all year round, and many are specialized by type or age of person.  If this style of giving doesn’t appeal, why not look even closer to home?  Maybe there is an elderly or disabled person, or a young mother alone with her kids living on your street who could use your help in many ways, such as shoveling the driveway or getting groceries or providing a ride to an appointment.  And the best part is that when you help others in this way, you help yourself too!

I always welcome your comments and questions.  Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

The Christmas and holiday season in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and the Edmonton region is a big deal, but December 25 isn’t the only day of giving and celebrating.  If your family embraces the traditions of other countries and cultures, there are plenty more opportunities for making merry during the festive season!

One of these special days occurs on December 6, the Feast of St. Nicholas.  In fact, the North American Santa Claus is based on St. Nicholas, or Sinterklaas, as he is known in Holland.  In France, children leave out their sabots, or wooden shoes, in hopes that St. Nicholas will throw little toys and sweets (and not lumps of coal) down the chimney to land in their shoes.

This is what The Old Farmer’s Almanac has to say about St. Nicholas Day:

“In Holland, everyone celebrates the Feast of Sinterklaas, or St. Nicholas, on the eve of December 6.  After dinner, families hunt for presents, following clues in funny, anonymous poems.  They also eat cookies and candies, especially spicy Speculaas cookies formed in wooden molds shaped in the figure of St. Nick.

“Who was St. Nicholas?  His life, like the lives of many saints, is shrouded in mystery. We know that he was the bishop of Myra in Lycia, part of Asia Minor, during the 4th century.  He is credited with saving three sisters from lives of ill repute by throwing bags of gold into their house (some say down the chimney; others say through the window) to provide for their dowries.

“In many places in the United States and abroad, children still place their shoes by the window for St. Nicholas to fill with presents and sweets on the night before his feast day.”

Holidays are, of course, all about the food!  Why not try making your own Speculaas to celebrate St. Nicholas Day?  The recipe below is courtesy of The Old Farmer’s Almanac.  Click on the preceding link for recipes for many more holiday goodies.

Spicy Sinterklaas Cakes (Speculaas) Recipe

Press the dough for these cookies into a carved wooden mold, or roll out the dough and cut with cookie cutters.  Yield: Makes about 18 to 24 medium cutout cookies.

 1/3 cup packed dark-brown sugar

1 tablespoon milk

1 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon each powdered cloves and cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon each nutmeg and powdered ginger

1 pinch salt

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1 tablespoon chopped blanched almonds

1 tablespoon minced candied fruit

5 tablespoons butter

large slivers of blanched almonds, for decoration

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar and milk, and stir until smooth. Add the flour, spices, salt, baking powder, almonds, and fruit. Cut in the butter with a pastry blender. Chill. Preheat oven to 350° F. If using a wooden speculaas mold, dust it with cornstarch, covering every bit of carving. Firmly press the dough into the mold, then run a sharp knife along the edges of the design. Gently lift the dough or tap it onto a greased cookie sheet. Press almond slivers onto the cookies wherever they fit into the design. To make cutout cookies, roll the dough about 1/4 inch thick and cut with cookie cutters. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Let them cool and crisp on a rack.

I’d love to hear about and feature in this blog your own family and cultural traditions surrounding the holidays!  Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

Those of us who live in the Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, and Parkland County region are dependent on our vehicles to get around.  Most of us prefer the independence and freedom this gives us but what about people with physical and developmental disabilities, or seniors?  If you can’t drive yourself and you don’t have family, friends or neighbors willing to do chauffeur duty, what do you do?  Luckily, Spruce Grove’s Specialized Transit Service provides transportation in all sorts of situations.   Another good reason to call this area home!

First of all, what is the Specialized Transit Service?  Information from the service states that “STS is a non-profit door-to-door public transportation service for seniors 55+ and members of the public with physical or developmental disabilities. STS provides services for medical, business, personal or recreational group trips.  Service operates:  Monday – Friday [7 a.m. to 4 p.m.]  For reservations call: 780-962-2456.”

In addition, “STS is available for use by residents of the City of Spruce Grove, Parkland Village and defined limits of Parkland County.  STS operates three wheelchair accessible vehicles. Two small vans accommodate individuals and / or small groups, while the 20-passenger van serves larger groups including a maximum of four wheelchairs. Special event trips are also planned.”

Rides for individual appointments are one thing, but the service provides much more.  Take a look at the December 2013 calendar:

Tuesdays & Thursdays – Local shopping (STS 20-passenger bus; call for pick up)

December 04 – WEM Shopping

December 09 – Senior Fun Night (Parkland Village)

December 11 – Dinner @ The Orient and Christmas Light Tour (Sponsored by Spruce Grove Rotary Club)

December 12 – Christmas Light Tour (Sponsored by Spruce Grove Rotary Club)

December 16 – Dinner @ The Orient and Christmas Light Tour (Sponsored by Spruce Grove Rotary Club)

December 17 – Christmas Light Tour (Sponsored by Spruce Grove Rotary Club)

December 18 – St. Albert Shopping

December 19 – Dinner @ The Orient and Christmas Light Tour (Sponsored by Spruce Grove Rotary Club)

December 25, 2013 – January 01, 2014 (Closed for the Holidays)

If this sounds good to you, and you think you might be eligible for service from the Spruce Grove Specialized Transit Service, call 780-962-2456, or visit the City of Spruce Grove website Specialized Transit Service page for more information about the service and the registration process, including an application form.

Looking for accessible or barrier-free housing?  Let me help.  Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.