DISCOVER ARGYLE

What’s happening in YOUR neighbourhood?

July & August 2014

Your Invitation to…

Discover Argyle

Welcome to the new and exciting 'Discover Argyle' newsletter- formerly known as 'All About Argyle'. As part of a community effort in Argyle, and in collaboration with the Argyle Community Association, a brand is being created for the Argyle community. Based on feedback from Argyle residents, the brand that is being created is called:

"Discover Argyle, A Great Place to Grow".

With the hard work of the Communications Committee of the Argyle Community Association, a website and Facebook page have also been developed with the Discover Argyle brand as the central focus. The website and Facebook page are designed to be an interactive space where people or organizations in Argyle can regularly post information about any initiatives, upcoming events or promotions. We believe that having a newsletter, website, FB page and Twitter account, all under the 'Discover Argyle' brand, where all of the different community organizations in Argyle can post or share information will provide the neighbourhood with a "one stop shop" approach to reaching residents. With these various formats of communication, news and information will travel better than ever before in Argyle! Do you want to learn more about how you or your organization could benefit from becoming a collaborator on the website, FB page or submitting content to the newsletter? Become an 'Argyle Ambassador' today! Contact us at communicationsargyle@gmail.com to learn more! Note: The Discover Argyle logo (at top of page) is available for use by your group by simply contacting us at communicationsargyle@gmail.com.

Argyle Community Association

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RETHINK LONDON represents a bold new vision for London and Strengthening Neighbourhoods is one of the key strategies of the proposed City of London plan. The Argyle Community Association (A.C.A.) represents the common interests of the residents of the Argyle area.  We promote the well-being of the community and the City of London, and protect and improve the quality of life in the Community and the City.  We encourage citizens and members of the Association to be informed and participate in the community. The Argyle Community Association's intent with the Neighbourhood Action Plan is to engage many stakeholders and residents in the

community to carry out the five areas of action included in the plan. The Argyle Community Association's aspiration is to have all members of the community be ambassadors of Argyle contributing to and promoting a positive, vibrant neighbourhood to live, work, and play. At Argyle’s AGM, Glen Pearson challenged us to become more involved in the community by volunteering. Glen shared his vision for the future of the food bank. The ultimate goal is to eliminate the need for food banks by creating opportunities for individuals to obtain their needs through initiatives such as community gardens. There are many initiatives that are waiting to be undertaken in Argyle. Here are two that you could consider: 1) As a proud member of the Argyle Community Association, I am excited to introduce you to the all new Street Beautification Program. The goal of the Street Beautification Program will be to visually represent the pride we feel as Argyle residents by designing, developing and caring for beautifully landscaped entrances to the Argyle community. Thanks to a recently approved Sparks Grant from the City of London, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to design and develop a landscaped gateway at the intersection of Trafalgar and Veterans Memorial Parkway, one of the major entrances that welcomes residents and neighbours to our great community. We are hopeful that this site will be the first of many over the next several years to be involved with this program. The Streets Beautification Program will strive to partner with local businesses, community groups, cultural groups and residents to ensure this program is a successful one. If you are interested in participating in this program, please email the writer at communicationsargyle@gmail.com 2) From the day it opened in 2011, the Charley Fox Memorial overpass has been praised as one of Canada’s most efficient traffic movers and admired for its beautiful design. The majestic art work of splaying fighter planes in the centre serves as a salute to our brave veterans. Still, the roundabout needs a finishing touch. The proposal is to establish a serene and quiet walk-to only parkette on the south-east corner of the property. A suggestion has been made to enfold this project with the upcoming 100th year observance of the Battle for Vimy Ridge by placing an appropriate memorial feature on the grounds. If you wish to become a supporter of this effort, please contact me with your ideas & suggestions that can presented to City Council in order to have that land declared as surplus: Nick Sauter, Outreach & Infrastructure Chair, Argyle Community Association. nikker@rogers.com 519-451-0658 We are gearing up for our 3rd Annual Argyle-Art-in-the-Park and Festival. Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 23rd and come out to Kiwanis Park (Hale St. entrance). The event will run from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. We have a great line up of entertain-ment, awesome artists and artisans and great food! This year we will be adding a “Kids Zone” with all kinds of activities for the children. For more information please email argyle.artinthepark@gmail.com .

John F. Kennedy will be remembered for this challenge: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what can you do for your country. “ Argyle is your community and will only improve when you just do it!

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DID WE MISS YOUR GROUP?

If your group, organization, agency, school or church would like

to submit information for FREE for our next edition

(September, October 2014) of ‘Discover Argyle’ please submit

your content to

discoverargylenewsletter@gmail.com by Aug 15, 2014.

East London Public Library

Eureka! TD Summer Reading Club 2014 (June 21-August 23) With books and stories and ideas as your inspiration, you can take some risks, get messy, and let loose your imagination! Register starting June 21 at a Library near you! Teen Summer Reading Challenge (June 21-Aug 23, Ages 11-17) Love to read? Join GCR and Get Caught Reading this summer! From June 21 to August 16 register and read to win weekly prizes at your local library branch. All participants and a friend will be invited to the annual "GCR Party" at Central Library Saturday, August 23, 2-4 pm. Food! Prizes! Games & Surprises! Summer R.E.A.D. Program (July 2-August 16) This program provides free one-on-one help for children ages 7-12 who are struggling with reading. Children meet each week for a 45 minute session with a Summer Literacy Facilitator. Families must be able to commit to 7 consecutive weeks of the program at one of 15 locations—space is limited. Registration forms are available at all 15 Library locations except Glanworth. For more information call Frances at 519-521-5921. Awesome Box (June 21-August 23) Teens - drop in any time the library is open & ask for an Awesome Box! Whether you're on your own or with friends, you can play a game, create or build something! Robots 101 with Mad Science- Ages 5-12 (Wed, July 2, 2:30-3:30) Get creative as we explore robots and intelligent machines! Register online, in person or by phone starting June 25. Family and Friends Storytime- all ages with caregiver (Thursdays, July 3-31, 10:30-11 am) Stories, songs, rhymes and other fun activities! Drop in. Lego Creation Station– ages 4-12 with caregiver (Fri, July 4-Aug. 29, 1-5 pm) We provide the Lego, you provide the imagination. Drop in. Free. Dog Tales - Group Setting! -Ages 7-13 (Sat. July 5, 2:30-3:30 pm) A great way for readers ages 7-13 to practice reading skills and build confidence. Meet a St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Team, ask questions, listen to a story, play games and other activities. Register online, in person or by phone starting June 28. Interactive Music and Magic (Family) Wed, July 9, 2:30-3:30 pm Join Don Robertson for an interactive Music and Magic show. Play along on a percussion instrument as Don sings and plays the guitar and then be amazed by his puppetry and magic show. Pick up free tickets or call to have them set aside starting July 2. Read Around the Block: Make it! (Family) at the East Lions Arti-san’s Centre (Thursday, July 10, 1-3 pm) This event will feature games, activities, crafts, food, iPads and fun for the whole family! Build a better, smarter world with our fun materials and activities. Drop in. Free. No registration required. POPUP! (Family) Tuesday, July 15, 1:30-3 pm Childreach POPUP plus invites you to 'pop in' with your young chil-dren! Come check out the awesome Imagination Playground equip-ment! Comics Workshop (Ages 7+) Wednesday, July 16, 2:30-3:30 pm This workshop will take students through the process of writing and drawing their own comic strips. Register online, in person or by phone.

Make Your Own Catapult (Ages 6-12) Friday, July 18, 10-11 am Come make your own catapult out of craft sticks or design your own and afterwards we will launch marshmallows from them! Summer Movie Fun (Family) Wed, July 23 & Aug 13, 2:30-4 pm Stay cool and drop in for some movie fun! Bring a snack and a beverage. Drop in. Free. No Registration Required. Fanshawe Pioneer Village: 19th Century Fun & Games (Ages 6+) Wednesday, July 30, 2:30-3:30 pm Take part in making a toy to take home, experience the fun of playing with 19th century toys and play a 19th century game t ogether! Register online, in person or by phone starting July 23. Lights.,Colour, Action! with Mad Science (Ages 5-12) Wed, Aug. 6, 2:30-3:30 pm Find out what Newton taught us about light and colour! Register online, in person or by phone starting July 30. Get Your Gears Turning with Maker Basics (Ages 8+) Thursday, Aug. 7, 10-11:30 am Pop in and learn more about the "maker movement". See and explore some basic maker tools with a member of London's MakerBus team. Free. Drop in. Hop, Skip and Munch (3 to 6 years old) Fri. Aug. 8-22, 10-11:30 am This three-week program is for parents and their preschoolers. Come out and play, learn and exercise together. Activities will be introduced that combine physical activity with information on healthy eating. To register, call OEYC London Fanshawe at (519) 455-2791. I'm Home (Ages 10-12 yrs) Saturday, Aug. 9, 9:30AM - 2:30PM A program designed to support parents in preparing their 10 to 12 year old child to move successfully from supervised before and after school care, to safe, home-based self-care. Parent must attend 11:30 am-2:30 pm. Children must bring their own lunch. $35. Payment due at registration. Register online, in person or by phone, 519-451-7600. Read Around the Block: Live it Up! at Talisman Woods Housing Co-op Thursday, Aug. 14, 1-3 pm, 235 Marconi Blvd, London A special community celebration of family literacy and healthy, active living. This event will feature games, activities, crafts, food, iPads and fun for the whole family! Drop in. Free. No registration required. WOW Carnival! (Family) Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2-4 pm. A carnival of discovery for makers and shakers with fun and creative games and activities! Drop in. Free. No registration required. Back to School Storytime (3-6 yrs) Thurs. Aug. 28, 10:30-11 am Whether you're starting school for the very first time or heading back to school this fall, enjoy a storytime that will feature books and activities to get you excited about school! Drop in, free. Argyle Seniors' Satellite Wed. 9-12 & Thurs. 1-4 Cards & Board Games, Yoga & Fitness Classes, Social Time, Carpet Ball, Computer Classes. Membership is only $10 per year. Housing Support Services 2nd Sat/month, 9am-1 pm AND Wednesdays, 1-5 pm Offering financial assistance to low income Londoners to obtain and retain their housing. To schedule an appointment, please contact at 519-661-0343, ext. 300.

LIHC Youth Outreach Worker (YOW) Program has expanded to include Argyle & East London!

The goals of the program are to: Promote youth and community engagement Make youth aware of community resources Promote barrier free access to these resources Increase youth access to resources and opportunities

Education — Employment — Housing — Leadership Recreation — Personal development — Basic Needs

Through an outreach approach, the YOW team meets youth ‘where they are at.’ In various community loca-tions throughout Northeast London, Argyle, and East London, our five YOWs provide direct person-to-person contact with those aged 12 – 21. Our workers are committed to building trusting relationships with youth, families and the community and then to support them by finding appropriate programs and services. We want to en-hance and promote the development of community-based services and local leadership.

Contact for more Information or to make a Referral:

Youth Outreach Workers 519-660-0875 x 500 Email: yow@lihc.on.ca Facebook: Youth-Outreach Workers Twitter: @YOWTEAM

HELP WANTED - DISCOVER ARGYLE The “Discover Argyle” communication team is looking for volunteers for the following positions: Outreach and Contributor (multiple positions required) Outreach to continue to connect to new groups who may want to share their information Research, interviews and story creation Editing stories Newsletter Editor Email groups and service providers for monthly contributions Formatting content once received Distribution Coordinator Bundle hard copy materials and distribute to various main locations Distribution of the newsletter and other announcements/flyers to various drop off locations, including posting on community bulletins in complexes Website Staff Orientation training on website To apply for above positions please send an email to discoverargylenewswletter@gmail.com and include contact information and any experience (although it is not a pre-requisite). We encourage all ages to apply including

high school students.

Volunteer YA! wraps up first year in Argyle

Volunteer YA!, a leadership training program, was launched through the City of London in October 2013. The program is designed to give high school students the skills, tools and abilities, the motivate themselves and others to get involved in the Argyle community.

Through weekly volunteering activities, monthly skill development workshops and social issues awareness, Volunteer YA! supports youth living in Argyle in completing their mandatory 40 hours of community involvement.

Each week the group volunteers with a different local organization and every activity is linked to a passion identified by the youth.

Volunteer YA! will continue programming throughout the summer and return in full force, September 2014. To get involved, youth and community organiza-

tions are encouraged to email the group at volunteerya.team@gmail.com.

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What is Trinity United Church Community Centre and Why Does it Matter?

When people ask me what I do and where I work I’m sometimes not sure what to say. If I say I’m a minister and that I

work at a church, most people will think that I care about what they believe, especially about God. But I don’t. My

higher power just cares about how we treat one another… and the world around us. Those of us who are Christians,

we enjoy deepening our connection to God, but it’s cultivating connections between people that is our priority.

If I say that I am the Director of Trinity United Church Community Centre, most people will think my work is providing

weddings, banquets, concerts and programs…and we do…from Youth Programs to choir and music programs to Trivia

game nights to Quilting. With the help of partner organizations we also provide a free hot meal on our best china, the

1st Sunday of the month. But this is not our primary priority either.

Our primary mission is to provide something important and difficult to find…a safe, welcoming community where

everyone who is kind can belong, regardless of age or income or race or beliefs or sexual orientation or anything else.

There are many wonderful organizations, but they are usually aimed at a particular group. Most programs have a

beginning and an ending. Trinity is a place where people connect from birth to death…enjoying and encouraging one

another along the way.

We all used to have that. Up until the 1950’s, most people grew up surrounded by about 75 to 150 family and friends

who knew them well. If your mom was sick, or your sister played a piece in the music festival, people would ask you

about them all week. If you did something stupid, everybody would know that too! But the message you received

every day was…you are part of a community…you are not alone…people care.

Having parents and a few friends is not enough. A lack of community is making us ill, especially our children and young

people.

At a recent seminar in London, Dr. David Wolf, PhD, Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of

Toronto and Chair of the Children’s Mental Health Center started his presentation with the bad news. 50% of

Canadian youth are suffering from mental illness: 32% of youth have an anxiety disorder, 14.3% have a mood disor-

der, and 4% have bi-polar. Suicide is now the 2nd most common reason for death amongst youth ages 12-19 and

suicide rates of youth ages 10-14 have increased by 39% in last 20 years!

The problem is not with youth behaviours. Reginald Bibby, a Canadian sociologist specializing in youth trends reports

that the behavior of our youth has never been better. Compared to 20 years ago, they are drinking less, using fewer

drugs and are less likely to be involved in violent crime. So what’s the solution to what is wrong with how our youth

are feeling on the inside?

Dr. Wolf then shared the solution. The research is clear. Next to a loving and supportive family, the most important

thing children and youth and all of us need to be mentally and spiritually healthy is to belong to a positive, caring,

ongoing community.

This is what excites us at Trinity…creating a community home where we find different ways of having fun together and

helping one another. If you and your children (if you have any) like the idea of being a part of building a positive,

inclusive, and caring community, than I invite you to check Trinity out. Contact me or drop by or go to our web site.

There is bound to be something going on here that will interest you...that you

can be a part of.

After all, life is meant to be shared. It takes a village to raise all of usJ

Paul Browning, Pastor

Hey Neighbour! Are you helping your neighbourhood become a stronger more vibrant place? Here are ten easy

ways to be a great ambassador and help build a

stronger community:

Volunteer for an event, association, committee or program held locally

Vote

Tell everyone about events and opportunities in your neighbourhood

Spread positive news about your neighbourhood

Meet your neighbours

Throw a street BBQ movie night, bike parade or street garage sale

Clean up your street/park

Remove graffiti

Put a potted plant on your porch/balcony

Shop and eat local

More formal ways to get involved: Neighbourhood Watch : http://www.neighbourhoodwatchlondon.ca/

Block Parent – www.londonblockparent.ca

Adopt a Park - http://www.london.ca/residents/Parks/Parks-Volunteering/Pages/Adopt-a-Park.aspx

Adopt a Street - http://www.london.ca/residents/Parks/Community-Projects/Pages/default.aspx

Join the Argyle Community Association – discoverargyle.ca

Block Parent or Walking School Bus - http://londonblockparent.ca/

Join the East London Optimist – contact masulm.r@gmail.com Volunteer Ya! (youth volunteer opportunities) - volunteerya.team@gmail.com

Informal ways to get involved:

Drop food off at the Salvation Army Village local food cupboard (Dundas and Highbury)

Check out the possibilities for a Sparks Neighbourhood Grant to make your idea a reality!

https://www.london.ca/SPARKS

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” ~ Anne Frank

FREE Summer Playground Camps!

These FREE summer programs start July 2nd and go until

August 14th. Children can participate in games, sports, crafts, special

events, swimming, outdoor activities, and more!

Programs begin at 9am.

All program staff are certified in HIGH FIVE® Principles of Healthy

Child Development, Standard First Aid, and undergo a Police

Vulnerable Sector Check.

Five camp locations in your neighbourhood are:

J.P. Robarts Public School Prince Charles Public School

Lord Nelson Public School East Lions Artisan Centre

F.D. Roosevelt Public School

Good News Collective Kitchen

25 Tasty Nutritious Meals for less than the cost of a meal out!

Struggling to put good food on the table?

Need to get the most out of your food dollars?

Want to meet new friends who love to cook?

Collective kitchen is a place where friends and families meet to share

in the joy of low-cost, healthy meal preparation.

Take home 25 freezer- ready meals for only $25!

To Register: 519-675-1976

(Ask for Kelly or leave a message)

Good News Church --476 Clarke Road

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Try this

word search!

Environmental Facts!

What does watershed stewardship

have to do with residents and

businesses of Argyle? Well, as most

residents can see, Pottersburg Creek winds its’ way through

much of the Argyle neighbourhood, bending back and forth

through Kiwanis Park. What may not be observed is that

the creek actually starts its’ journey outside the City limits,

east of the airport enroute to where the creek eventually

flows through the city and outlets into the South Thames

River at Pottersburg Park, south of Hamilton Road.

The “watershed” for the creek is the area

surrounding the creek (some 2,000 hectares in London and

much of that in the Argyle neighbourhood) that contributes

surface water to the creek, mostly through storm drains and

channels. It is through the stewardship practices of

everyone; the agricultural community outside the City plus

the actions of airport staff, City staff, plus the commercial

and industrial businesses and Argyle residents who all

contribute to overall creek health.

Pottersburg Creek has had its’ challenges in the past,

however it is through the continued efforts of everyone in

the Pottersburg watershed that we will achieve an improved

creek and a restored watershed health. Efforts have already

been made which are moving us in the right direction.

Future articles will highlight some of these efforts and

successes and explain how you can help. Be watershed

aware – find out how to play your part!

Did you know?

FREE Community Movie Nights!

Come and check out great movies for your whole family! Each

month we will be showing two movies at two different locations

Royal View @ 218 Clarke Road — Bethel @ 716 Classic Drive

Enjoy FREE movies and FREE Popcorn and drinks for everyone!

Doors will open @ 6:30 for each event and the movie will start

at 7:00pm. Please make sure to arrive on time. For more

information or questions please contact Pastor Jenn

@ 519-451-2170 ext 237

Community Movie Schedule

Date Location/ Theme Movie

July 11th Royal View– Family Muppets most

Wanted

July 18th Bethel– Youth Iron Man 1

August 15th Royal View– Youth Iron Man 2 & 3

August

22nd

Bethel– Family Rio 2

"Neigbourhood Life - Three Chairs, Umbrella and A Cooler Filled

With Water/ Refreshments"

Imagine the above picture! An Argyle Community

Association becoming more engaging in Outreach, more

fruitful in representing your community, having the

ability to develop closer friendships, or even a

friendship, and more adept in serving the Argyle Community!

The Argyle Community Association is here to help you to become

involved and engaged in your neighbourhood through creating

innovative ways to promote a new program, "ARGYLE RESIDENT

AMBASSADOR PROGRAM". Together, we as citizens and stakeholders are:

Called to serve, share love and kindness, and to take pride in our Argyle

Community. We challenge you to this important role in asking not what the

community can do for us, but what we can offer to make Argyle a more

active, vibrant, inclusive, safe place to live, work, shop, worship and play.

Become an ambassador! Advocate for community concerns and

participate in events offered by your community. Tell us what your

interests are and if you are willing to help out. We need you to create a

connected, caring community that fosters creativity and opportunity; to

make new friends, re-establish old friendships, increase a sense of

belonging, encourage safety and help keep crime to a low, by looking out

for each other and recognizing faces.

We need neighbours who will involve oneself in picking up debris,

raking leaves, helping neighbours, removing graffiti, maintaining flower

beds, and to meet and discuss challenging issues. The Resident

Ambassador Program is also developing partnerships with other

organizations and groups that will encourage safety and vitality through a

team focused approach. Do you want to belong and become a contributing

part of this Argyle Community?

Argyle Community Association is very happy to report that we are now

1300 strong, and together have reflected a high level of community spirit

and support from our members. Great Volunteers Build A Strong, Great

Community. You can make that difference! If you are interested in

becoming a Neighbourhood Ambassador visit our Argyle Community

Association website at www.discoverargyle.ca or on Facebook at Discover

Argyle. For more information please call Jetty Veldstra, Membership Chair

at 519-451-5484.