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OPPORTUNITY CENTRE FINE ARTS WORKSHOP SERIES

Limerick Opportunity Centre News!

Limerick Opportunity Centre
Volume 2: Newsletter 3 April 26, 2011

Reorganizing the Limerick Recreation Board

Two very productive meetings were held with a view to re-organizing the Limerick Recreation Board. Over the years the numbers on the Board had shrunk and the workload was being carried by just a couple of people.

The first meeting brought together representatives from a number of boards and committees in the community. These included the Hall Board, Rink Board, Service Club, 49’ers, Kids’ Kingdom, Trinity United Church, Limerick Opportunity Centre, Village of Limerick, Blazers, minor league ball and other interested individuals. A wide ranging discussion of ways and means to improve communication and increase activities in the community led to a commitment to meet again in two weeks to create a strengthened Recreation Board.

At the second meeting past members of the Recreation Board Jolene Sinclair and Jennifer MacMillan agreed to continue to work with the Board They have been joined by Nicky Auser who has agreed to serve as secretary of the newly organized Board. Other members will be representatives of the various community Boards and Committees.

The group, with encouragement and support from the RM of Stonehenge and the Village of Limerick, then took the major decision of creating a new, part-time, paid position for the Village. The Community Coordinator will work to improve communication between and among organizations in the community as well as providing leadership and support for a variety of community activities. Just one example may be the renewal of the Farmer’s Market.

The Community coordinator will work out of the Opportunity Centre using the office, phone etc. that is available there.

Employment Opportunity

Community Coordinator ~ Part-time

The Village of Limerick is accepting applications for the part-time position of Community Coordinator. This position is allotted 5 hours/day, 2 days a week and the schedule may vary in accordance with programs and events.

The coordinator is a people and project manager who will work directly with the Recreation Board which is comprised of community based non-profit organizations.

The coordinator will be responsible for:

providing support to the Recreation Board and community organizations;

facilitating community planning initiatives;

developing and assisting with programs and events;

applying for and administering grants for activities/programs and securing other funding opportunities;

facilitating volunteers and efficiently coordinating work teams.

Qualifications:

a minimum high school diploma, preference will be given to those who have college courses related to this field;

strong communication, facilitation and interpersonal skills;

the ability to communicate and work with diverse groups;

self-motivated and excellent organizational skills;

proficient use of MS Office Word, Excel, e-mail and internet.

Resume with references should be submitted to:

Village of Limerick, Box 129, Limerick, SK. S0H 2P0

Rm73@sasktel.net

306.263.2020

Fax: 306.263.2013

Closing date: Monday, May 16, 2011

　First Aid Kits

Vehicle first aid kits are being sold in the community. These kits are part of a dream that some of us have to have a defibrulator available in this community. St. John Ambulance have a great program where vehicle kits that are purchased from them at cost can be resold at retail with the profit staying in the community for community use. These kits are available at the RM office for $30. and would make great grad gifts!

Limerick Healing Centre

Tina tells us that she is now doing pain relief on necks, shoulders, hips and backs by muscle re-alignment. Tina issues the following invitation: “Try it ~ you will be amazed!” Call 263-4827 or Tina’s cell at 642-8442 to learn more or to book an appointment.

Kids’ Kingdom

The kids drop in centre continues to operate for our children on Mondays and Thursday from 4 to 6 pm. This year there are plans to keep the Kids’ Kingdom operating into June (or until such time as the children’s interest wanes).

The Kids’ Kingdom has four major sources of funding. They are the Community Initiative Fund Grant (Saskatchewan Lotteries), the Limerick Recreation Board Grant, the Build-A-Burger night at the Limerick Hotel and the two bottle drives that are held each year. The bottle drives are particularly important because, through the drives, the children take some responsibility for the funding of their program.

This spring’s bottle drive will be held on Sunday, June 5 from 2 to 4 pm. If you need to arrange a special time for pick up or drop off please contact Lynn Headrick ~ 263.4969

Derek Smith ~ 263.2126

Matt Poor ~ 263.4747

Working Out With Sandi McCrae

Sandi McCrae is once more coming to the Opportunity Centre with her unique style of exercising. Using a blend of cross- training, aerobics, cardio-vascular exercises as well as a little yoga Sandi packs a lot of workout into each hour of activity! The sessions are Monday evenings from 7:30 to 8:30 pm. Cost is $10 a session or $40 a month. All are welcome!

Computer Lab

We now have enough equipment for a five station computer lab thanks to the generosity of Prairie South School Division and Viterra. In addition we have a sixth setup that will be for the use of the Community Coordinator. Each step of this process has been a little more complicated than we first imagined but slowly everything is coming together. We still do not have a printer and we have not completely solved the question of how the internet will be paid for but we are confident that it is only a matter of time until we will be able to give the public access to a good computer lab setup.

If you have suggestions about skills that should be taught in the lab or about ways to give the public good access we would be happy to hear them. Just give Lorelei a call.

Looking Back on the Winter of 2010 / 2011

What a strange winter we have had! Cold weather, lots of snow ~ and the winds! All of this had an impact on the programming at the LOC. For example, Tai Chi takes 12 weeks to complete and we had to cancel and re-schedule five times!

Snow removal was a challenge everywhere including at the LOC. How fortunate we were to have the outside workers from the RM of Stonehenge on our side. They kept the snow ploughed away from the building and shovelled the sidewalks so that we always had good access to the building and Lorelei was always able to get into the furnace rooms for the daily inspection.

One positive thing that came out of the nasty weather was the implementation of a walking program. It just seemed that people were getting more and more house bound because of the bad weather and the treacherous walking conditions. We wanted to offer people the opportunity to come out and walk in safety. We don’t know whether it was the walking or the tea and cookies that followed but it was a fun activity that attracted from 4 to 7 people each Tuesday morning. Next year we will start it earlier so that it can become a regular part of people’s week.

The walking program was a result of a suggestion from Marlene Mellquist. We encourage everyone who has an idea for activity at the Centre to talk to us. You never know what will develop!

Summer Challenges

Now our summer challenge is to get the roof repairs done. That is no easy feat because getting contractors to come to work in a rural community is an enormous challenge. If anyone has connections in the roofing community we’d love to hear from you.

 

Volume 2: Newsletter 2 January 27, 2011

OPPORTUNITY CENTRE FINE ARTS WORKSHOP SERIES

Traditional Rug Hooking: Starter Class

In this introductory course enthusiasts will learn the first steps in the traditional art of rug hooking. Participants will be introduced to the basic tools of rug hooking. With a hook, a fabric backing and fibres or fabrics the participant will learn how to transform the basic tools into a work of fibre art. In addition participants will learn how new, hand-dyed and / or recycled wool can be used to make rugs.

In this beginner’s class each person will complete a single item ~ a letter monogram on a background. The finished item will be approximately 10 “ across. Instructor Doris Fulmore, Regina

Workshop Schedule

Saturday, March 19, 10 am - 4 pm and Sunday, March 20, 10 am - 3 pm

Registration Deadline: March 1 Cost $125

Exploring Pottery and the LOC Shop

We now have a group ready to begin their pottery exploration but we have a problem. The ’people mover’, made locally and used to move people around the village during the community reunion, is stored in the Opportunity Centre Shop. That is also where the kiln is and where we want to develop our pottery program. We desperately need to find a place to store the ‘people move’. It is so well constructed that it really needs to be kept indoors. If you have room to store the ‘people mover’ in one of your out buildings please contact Lorelei @ 263-2064 or Tammy at the RM office ~ 263-2020. We really need some help with this one!

Limerick Healing Centre

Kathy Huber will be at The Healing Centre on Thurs., January 27 and Sunday, February 13. Ms. Huber is a certified hypnotherapist, past life reader, angel therapy practitioner, angel therapy medium and Reiki practitioner. Contact Kathy @ 306.588.2200 to begin your healing journey.

Twila Hayes is coming again to Limerick for one-on-ones on Thursday. February 10.

Tina says, “ Twila is awesome for working on emotional or mental aspects of one’s life so that’s why I call her the ‘human whisperer’. She is a medical intuitive who is able to provide, through that gift, a lot of helpful insight.”

Playschool

Playschool meets every Thursday morning. Jill Jackson, teacher, along with her dedicated volunteers, Sharon Poor and Roxanne Vandale, are delivering a program that is both fun and instructional. It is wonderful to watch the little ones practicing skills that will serve them well in their school years. Whether it is behaving with courtesy and respect or moving through the building quietly and with focus on what they are doing they really are learning life skills! And they give a special energy to our building!

Adult Walking Program

We do not need to tell you that this has already been a challenging winter with lots of snow and cold temperatures. In discussion with those who tend Community Fitness we decided it was time to offer something special for people who love to walk but these days find it difficult to walk outdoors. Beginning Tuesday, February 1, at 10:30 am the Centre will be open to walkers. We have also arranged to provide rides so walkers can get to the Centre easily. And when we are finished walking we will have a light snack and a visit. If you are interested in walking with us please let Marlene Mellquist know. See you on February 1 or any Tuesday for eight weeks! There is no charge for this activity.

　

Kids Kingdom

The kids drop in centre continues to operate for our children on Mondays and Thursday from 4 to 6 pm with supervisor Lynn Headrick in charge. The children always like their fun play time but they also love special activities like packing Christmas shoe boxes and learning to prepare food with visiting consultant Kathy Rasmussen. All children from ages 5 to 16 are welcome at the Kids’ Kingdom.

Yoga

Acting on your requests we have found a yoga instructor who will come to the Opportunity Centre to lead classes. Denita Morin will travel from Gravelbourg to provide leadership. The classes will be on Thursday evenings from 7 to 8 pm beginning Thursday, February 3. Cost of the classes is $80. The recreation Board is assisting with the costs of these yoga classes. If you know of any guys who are interested in yoga this may really be the time for them to become involved because Denita’s husband Wayne will be accompanying her for at least some of the sessions and he will be participating in leading the class.

Computer Lab

We are moving ever closer to having a computer lab in the Centre. We solicited help from a variety of large businesses as well as from Prairie South School Division. Viterra donated 5 monitors which Tina delivered to the Centre and Prairie South has agreed to sell us, for a token amount, 5 CPU’s keyboards and peripherals. Now we are working to cover the costs of hi-speed internet hook-up. Our goal is to have everything in place by the end of February. If you have suggestions as to how we should make this available to the community please call Lorelei with your suggestions.

　

Archery Club

The Archery Club has begun its winter activities. They will be shooting in the gymnasium at LOC on Sundays from 1:30 pm until 4:30 pm. If you are interested in archery drop by on a Sunday and speak to Pat Hanson or Jim Semesock.

　

!Spring Fling!

Spring Fling 2011 is tentatively set for Saturday April 2. Please mark the day on your calendar. Last year’s Fling was a blast with over twenty tables providing goods and services with a focus on the interests of women.

If you would like to reserve a table at the Spring Fling please contact Lorelei at hughp@sasktel.net with some information about what you want to do at the Fling. Lorelei will pass the information along to Jill Zahariuk who is providing leadership for this event.

Limerick Collective Kitchen

The Limerick Opportunity Centre and Village of Limerick developed the Limerick Collective Kitchen project to provide youth with nutrition education while giving them the skills to serve healthy, delicious and economical meals. With our seniors the focus is on preparing nutritious, tasty meals for those living alone. We recognize that the social aspects of preparing food together is also important.

The Limerick Opportunity Centre and Village of Limerick applied for and received a grant through the Community Initiatives Fund. The Community Initiative Fund was established to distribute a portion of casino profits to organizations providing programs and services to children, youth and families.

The Village of Limerick has contracted Kathy Rasmussen to organize our Collective Kitchen project. She is working with seniors and youth in our community and we thank her for coming to Limerick to work with us on this project.

If you have any questions about the project please contact the Village office at 263-2020.

Melody Caywood, R.M.T

Melody Caywood has returned from her winter break. She continues to deliver massage therapy services to people in Limerick and surrounding area every week. Appointments can be made by contacting Melody at 263-2023.

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Volume 2: Newsletter 1 (Oct 15, 2010)

OPPORTUNITY CENTRE FINE ARTS WORKSHOP SERIES

Exploring with Watercolour

This workshop will examine the many exciting possibilities presented by painting in watercolour. We will mix paint and explore colours and their relationships, practice washes and brushstrokes, and explore creating light and shadow, form and mass. The workshop will consist of a combination of discussion and demonstrations, slide presentations, in-class projects and individual critiques. Instructor Catherine Macaulay

Workshop Schedule

Saturday, Oct. 23 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday, Oct. 24, 10 am to 3 pm

Registration Deadline: October 15

Exploring Pottery

There have been many discussions about the best way to begin doing pottery at the Opportunity Centre. At present we are favouring six weeks of ‘mucking about’ and exploring the clay with help provided by two local people who have experience with clay and kilns After Christmas we could begin bringing in experts to move the group forward in developing their own pottery style. If you are interested in ‘getting your hands dirty’ call Don or Lee Borkwood at 263-4904

Limerick Healing Centre

Tina is delivering one of her popular workshops on Friday, Oct. 29 at 7 pm. Join a lively, informative and enlightening discussion of Sacred Gifts. Tina can be reached @ 642-8442 during the day and @ 263-4827 in the evenings.

Playschool Dream Now A Reality!

Limerick playschool begins Thursday Oct, 7 and continues through to May 2011. Play school opens at 8:15 and ends at 11:30. Jill Jackson will be the teacher for the 3 and 4 year olds. A group of volunteers is currently being assembled to assist Jill.

If you have a child you would like to enrol or if you think that volunteering would be fun call Lorelei (263-2064) or Tammy (263-2020 daytime)

Playschool Equipment

We have a good selection of toys for the use of the children and we have received some important donations. There are , however, some items we still need. We are looking for baby dolls that can be easily cleaned; farm animals and equipment and matchbox toys. We will not be using Barbie dolls, action figures, soldiers or guns at the playschool. If you have something to donate please call Lorelei or Tammy.

Kids Kingdom

The kids drop in centre begins Nov. 1 under the supervision of Lynn Headrick. Meeting Mondays and Thursdays 4-6 pm*, the Kids Kingdom focuses on the needs of children from ages 5 to 16 with emphasis on active play and socializing. The Kids Kingdom will engage in three major fund raising events. Between November 1 and 15 orders will be taken for Mom’s Pantry products. On Nov 12 there will be a Build-a-Burger Night at the Limerick Hotel from 6-8pm. On Nov 14 please have your bottles out for the children to pick up between 2 and 4 pm during their semi-annual bottle drive. For more information call Lynn Headrick at 263-4969

*Please Note: The Kids Kingdom does not operate on school holidays

Exercise Class

Sandi McCrae is currently leading a group through a varied and upbeat exercise experience. The group meets Thursdays at 7:30 pm and new people are welcome. For details call Kyla Cranfield at 263-4965.

Community Fitness

The fitness room is open for business! At $25 per month and with access 24/7 this is an affordable and flexible fitness option. Call Marlene Mellquist at 263-2010 (days) 0r 263-2165 (eve) to arrange your membership.

Tai Chi

Tai Chi begins Wed. Oct 25 at 7:30 pm and continues for 12 weeks. This is a course both for beginners and previous students. Instructor is Judy Mergel. Registration fee is $72. Registration deadline is Oct 22. Call Lorelei at 263-2064 to reserve your spot.

First Aid

We are pleased to offer this course which addresses standard first aid, CPR level C and the use of a defibrillator.

This course should appeal to those

With a general interest;

With those who need certification for employment;

Who need a refresher for employment;

High school students are welcome!

The course will be taught on November 15 & 16 and 22 & 23 from 6:30 - 10:30 . Course instructor Karen Reisner. Registration deadline Fri. Nov. 5. Call Lorelei (263-2064) for more information and to reserve your place.

Cooking Classes

Several ideas for cooking classes are in the works. Cake decorating, Christmas Baking, and /or Ethnic Meals (Want to travel the Silk Road?) are all ideas being explored. If you have a particular food passion we can probably deal with it. Let us know! You can call Lee if you have any ideas or want to discuss food. 263-4904

generously when you get the order form! It will be available from Nov 1 - 15. Get your Christmas supplies! If you don’t get a form check at the RM office or Dave’s Store

Melody Caywood, R.M.T

Melody Caywood continues to deliver massage therapy services to people in Limerick and surrounding area every week. Appointments can be made by contacting Melody at 263-2023. Melody’s business is a real asset to the community.

Group of Ten Photography Club

The Photography Club continues to meet each month at the Opportunity Centre. Their meetings are always interesting with a good mix of demonstrations, show and tell sessions and expert visitors. If you are interested in joining the Group of Ten (much bigger now than when they formed) speak to Bo Ruzicka about dates, times and activities. Bo can be reached at 263-4525.

Upcoming Events / Activities to Watch for

Plans are still developing for still more fall 2010 activities including

Archery,

Community volleyball and / or floor hockey

Quilting

An Invitation

If you have found yourself thinking, “I wish they would do … at the Opportunity Centre”, please give us a call. When you read the items in this newsletter you can see that a wide range of individuals in the community have been a part of assembling this menu of fall activities. Community involvement and imagination helps us to put together activities that serve a large number of community members.

Web Site
If you haven’t been to the web site recently we encourage you to have a look. It is regularly updated with the latest happenings at the Centre. Check it out at www.limerickopportunitycentre.com

 

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Aug 5 2010 - - Newsletter #14

Melody Caywood, RMT

We are pleased to announce a new tenant in the Opportunity Centre. In mid-May registered massage therapist Melody Caywood began seeing clients at the Opportunity Centre. Melody works in Limerick on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays as appointments dictate. On the remaining days of the week Melody joins her husband Howard in Hodgeville and also see clients there. We are hopeful that Melody’s client list will grow here to the point where she and Howard will join our community full time.

Appointments can be made by calling Melody at 263-2023.

Collective Kitchens

The collective kitchen activities were led by Kathy Rasmussen for the children at the Kids’ Kingdom and for seniors at the community hall. Both programs were so well received that we decided that we should try to get funding to continue the kitchens through fall, 2010, and winter, 2011. Tammy and Lorelei worked on a grant proposal to the Community Initiatives Fund. At the end of June we received notice that our proposal has been accepted. Funds are now in place to completely cover the cost of the children’s kitchen and to fund for a coordinator for the seniors program.

There has been talk that young Mom’s would like a program for themselves and we certainly encourage them to get the process started ~ participants tell us that the meals prepared are tasty and doing it together is fun too!

Summer Workshop Series

Continuing with our exploration of doing workshops in the fine arts as part of the offerings of the Opportunity Centre we have two workshops scheduled for this summer. If you are interested in either of the workshops being offered call Lorelei to register.

Limerick Opportunity Centre Summer Workshop Series

Writing Your Family Right

What: Writers and those who dream of writing will find inspiration and learn new skills during a workshop with Saskatchewan poet, author and teacher Lynda Monahan.

Lots of people write their life stories at a relatively early age while some begin later in life. Have you been thinking about writing your life story but aren't sure how (or where) to start? Does it seem like a daunting task? It really isn't once you know how.

This workshop includes several in-class writing exercises designed to help you get started. Join us for this workshop and you will soon be on your way! You will be amazed at how simple it really is. And fun too!

When: Sat., August 7 from 9 am to 4 pm Registration deadline ~ Fri., July 30

Where: Limerick Opportunity Centre, Limerick, Saskatchewan.

Who: This workshop is appropriate for high school-aged students to adults. All are welcome! Come and spend the day writing!

Materials: You will only need to bring writing equipment that you are comfortable with ~ pen, or pencil, or computer, and come prepared to have fun!

Cost: Cost of the workshop including nutrition breaks is $120

A Smashin' Good Time!

What: Participants will learn to make mosaic art while creating their own one-of-a-kind mosaic-topped side table. The mosaic will be created using conventional tiles and found items like glass, china, beads, etc. The workshop is being taught by Doreen Kalmakoff from Blaine Lake, SK.

When: Saturday, August 21, 9 am to 5 pm

Where: Limerick Opportunity Centre Shop, Limerick, SK.

Who: Artists and artisans of any level, from beginners to the experienced, will find a place in this workshop. Even if you have never created a work of art there is a place for you. The instructor says there are no failures in this artistic endeavour!

Materials: The project for this workshop is a mosaic side table with a wrought iron base. The table is 16" square or 18" in diameter if a round table is selected. Table height is 22 1/2 ". All basic materials ~ tiles, grout, tools, glue and prepared table base are provided as part of the registration package. Participants are encouraged to bring personal materials suck as beads, glass, china and 'found' items to add to their mosaic. Participants will create their own design or can choose a pattern from the instructor's collection. Participants should bring rubber gloves and rags for polishing and they should wear old clothes.

Cost: Cost of the workshop including nutrition breaks and all necessary materials is $198.

Please Note: This workshop is receiving a grant from the South West District for Culture, Recreation and Sport. SWDCRS is supported by Saskatchewan Lotteries.

Playschool

We continue to work on developing a playschool for 4 and 5 year olds. We will also consider taking mature 3 year olds.

We are happy to report that we have a very experienced educator who is interested in taking on the playschool. We are excited that we will be led by someone with a wealth of experience in working with young children!

We are currently exploring whether a half day a week or one full day a week will serve the needs of the children and families interested in having their children in a playschool setting. Watch for details as we move forward with this exciting venture! To have your child added to the list of those interested in attending ~ or to weigh in on whether a full or half day would work best for you and your child ~ or to get further information ~ call Lorelei at 263-2064.

Community Fitness News

Community Fitness slows a little during the summer when folks find a variety of ways to work out and be outside at the same time. However, when the mosquitoes are at their worst working out inside with air conditioning and music playing is not a bad idea! If you are interested in the using the Fitness Room but have not yet made the move we encourage you to speak with Marlene Mellquist about the advantages of membership in this community activity.

Web Site
If you haven’t been to the web site recently we encourage you to have a look. It is regularly updated with the latest happenings at the Centre.

Tender Results

With the carpentry project completed the Management Committee decided to put the completed shed / bunkhouse up for tender along with two flag poles that were not being used. All three items have been successfully sold. One of the flag poles can be seen at the mine in Coronach where the union will be proudly flying their flag! Thanks to all who took an interest in the items being tendered.

Energy Efficiency

As part of the initiatives of SaskPower through their EnerAction Commercial Lighting Incentive Program and the Municipal Energy Efficient Lighting Program developed through Saskatchewan Research Council we have moved to reduce the operating costs of the Opportunity Centre while also reducing our carbon footprint. First we had an energy audit done for the whole building. That was done at no cost to us.

With the results of the audit in hand Tammy worked out where changes would have the most impact and we applied for the appropriate grants to help us with the project.

By the end of June Kimball’s electric had completed the changes. Now the halls, bathrooms and some of the lease space have new digital ballasts and lower wattage light bulbs so that our costs will go down while we do our part to reduce our use of electricity. Through our savings within the year we will have paid the costs of installing the new lights and then our power bills will go down ~ even if there are no increases in power costs. If power costs rise we will affect savings at an even quicker pace. Good work Tammy!

Kiln

We recently entered into a new and exciting venture! Following a series of discussions with the Assiniboia & District Arts Council it has been agreed that the kiln which belongs to the Arts Council will be housed in the Opportunity Centre Shop. This came about, in part because the shop is fully wired for the use of a kiln.

Programming for the use of the kiln will be done by both the Arts Council and the Opportunity Centre collaboratively.

The kiln was moved on July 14 and the first use of it should occur in the fall when the Opportunity Centre’s Fall Workshop Series will include a pottery course.

To further support this exciting venture the Arts Council has purchased a very good first aid kit to be housed with the kiln. Our sincere hope is that the kiln will be used a lot and the first aid kit never!

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Limerick Opportunity CentreNewsletter #11

Need More Info?
contact us

 

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Newsletter #9, September 2009

Limerick Healing Centre Health Fair

Tina Cojocar’s Healing Centre
Tina has given us notice that she will be hosting a Health Fair at the Opportunity Centre on October 24, 2009. Please mark this on your calendar! For those who braved the ice storm last November to attend Tina’s first Health Fair it was an interesting day. The earlier date for 2009 should prevent weather from being a factor. See you at the Health Fair!

Kids’ Drop-In Centre

The bad News - Good News story
The bad news is that we failed in both our bids for grant money to operate the Kids’ Kingdom. Of course this was a huge disappointment because we had hoped to expand our services to include an evening a week for local teens.
The good news is that a number of people in the community, including supervisor Lynn Headrick, are determined to keep the Kids’ Kingdom going.
While we are not sure what the final format will be we are busy putting funding in place to ensure that kids will have access to the Centre including ‘their’ room and use of the gym.

Careful use of last year’s bottle drive money left us with some money in our account. The kids are planning two more bottle drives ~ one this fall and one in spring 2010.

The Limerick Hotel has joined the effort to keep the Kids’ Kingdom in operation and have asked that the profits from this year’s Build-a-Burger night be dedicated to the kids.

Bottle Drive!

The bottle drive takes on new importance as it becomes a major fund-raiser for the Kids’ Kingdom. The 1st of two planned drives will take place on Sun., October 4 from 2 to 4 pm.

Please save your bottles for the kids. It is such a good learning experience for them to seek to fund their own activities at the Centre.

Kids & their parents will canvas for bottles on the 4th . If you will not be home please call Lynn (263-4969) or Lorelei (263-2064) to arrange pick-up.
Build-a-Burger Night

Friday, October 2, 2009
Once again the Limerick Hotel has offered to host a build-a-burger night with the proceeds going to the Kids’ Kingdom.

Last year was a lot of fun and a great success! It is a good time to decompress after the pressures of harvest and, of course, the food is always excellent! Plan to bring your family and friends for good food and an evening of socializing with your neighbours.

Thank You!

We hope that everyone has noticed the well kept appearance of the Centre through these summer months. We don’t always know who has done the mowing (they often slip in early in the morning or late in the evening) so it is impossible to name those who have helped keep things in good condition. We do know that Guy & the RM crew, Mark Bratton, Gerald Kinchen and Dave and Lynn Headrick have all played a part in spraying and mowing.

Recently Barb Engel and Ryan Mellquist completed a much needed clean-up of the west hedge. Once Len and Kevin Engel removed the cement curbings so that Barb could get her mower in there was no holding her back! We have a hedgerow that looks great and will be much easier to keep in shape. Thanks to one and all ~ the named and the anonymous. As the kids would say, “This is an awesome place to live!”

Southwest District for Culture, Recreation and Sport
Limerick joined the newly organized Southwest District for Culture, Recreation and Sport in the spring of 2009, and has already experienced some of the advantages of this membership. In a day-long introductory meeting with resource people we were able to focus our thoughts and get expert advice.
Our first tangible result from membership was the awarding of a $400 grant to assist us with the delivery of our artists’ workshop in August.

Our second tangible result is equally exciting. In October we will host a LEAP workshop for parents and caregivers of children age 5 & under. This is the kind of use which we believe will benefit our own community as well as our neighbours ~ and, of course, it will help to pay the bills!

LEAP

Literacy, Education, Activity and Play
LEAP provides children from birth to age five with a strong foundation in literacy, physical activity and healthy eating. The program offers resources and training to support early learning specialists, caregivers and parents as they actively participate in children’s learning.

The workshop is to introduce participants to both LEAP resources: the HOP (Healthy Opportunities for Preschoolers) and Food Flair; a priceless manual which helps caregivers create an environment that supports healthy eating for young children.

The all-day workshop will be held Saturday, October 17 at the Centre. For more details and to pre-register contact Debra Ashby (268-2064 ) or Lorelei Rogers (263-2064).

Tai Chi

Tai Chi will begin on Monday, September 28 at 7:00 PM Once again Judy Mergel will lead us as we learn how to use this ancient Chinese form of exercise to improve our health.

Tai Chi is a form of exercise that improves core strength, flexibility and posture. It is suitable for people of all ages. It requires no special clothing or equipment and you do everything standing up (no getting down on the floor and no sweating!) Cost of 12 sessions is $72. To pre-register or to get more information please call Judy Mergel (266-4211) or Lorelei (263-2064).

Recreational Volleyball

Adult volleyball will begin on Friday, October 16 at 7:30 PM You can attend as an individual or you can put together a team and play as a group. Convenor for volleyball is Margaret Schuweiler (263-2110 evenings).

Community Calendar

Tammy Franks has taken the lead in developing a community calendar as a project of the Opportunity Centre. These calendars are designed to be unique to the community with birthdays, anniversaries and other important dates marked. Calendars cost $12 each. Please be sure your dates and orders are in to Tammy or her group of willing helpers by September 15. And if you want to enter a photo in the competition for cover picture drop those off too!

Fine Arts at the Limerick Opportunity Centre

The artists’ workshop Light, Shade, & Colour was a great success! Laureen Marchand, Saskatoon, took the participants from Nipawin, Swift Current, Regina, Moose Jaw, Glenavon, Assiniboia and Mazenod through 12 hours of intensive learning, painting, and critiquing.

Evaluations cited the quality of the workshop and the hospitality of the Limerick Hotel as a highlights of their stay with us. Also noted was the excellence of the food service provided by the Feasibility Committee under the leadership of Lee Borkwood. Thanks to Trinity United Church for the use of dishes and cutlery! The loan allowed us to set a ‘classy’ and environmentally friendly table .

Thanks also to those people who opened their gardens to us for the pleasant gardens tour of Saturday afternoon. Every yard was beautiful and every one was different. We know that the Belanger’s, the Lavalee’s, the Forest’s, Margaret Frederickson, and Barb and Len Engel, all put effort into prepping their yards and we really appreciated being able to show our local beauty spots to visitors from ‘away’!

Thanks also to Larry Lethbridge for driving the truck that towed the “People Mover” as it took us around the village.

Look at What’s Coming up!

While still in early planning you should watch for these coming events:

Star party and astronomy course

Introduction to Photography with Marg Wiebe, Swift Current

Quilting workshop with Beth Stobbs

Archery

Community In Motion event

Knitting clinic

And it worked! Thanks!
Lorelei

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Newletter # 6 May 1st 2009

Tenant News Update May 1 2009

Here is some information about the activities at the Centre:

Our first long term tenant is the Limerick Healing Centre, proprietor Tina Cojocar. The Healing Centre focusses on alternative and complementary health strategies. There is a particular focus on energy medicine. They do regular seminars and workshops for people wishing to learn more about handling their health as well as scheduling individual consultations.

Community Fitness is a Limerick community undertaking first conceived by Marlene Mellquist and now managed by her. The Fitness room has a wide range of fitness equipment including treadmills, steppers, a recumbent bike, exercise balls and free and fixed weights. Members have access to the Fitness room 24/7. Membership is $25 per month. The members also walk laps in the halls and have been keeping track of their distances since January. Collectively they have walked from Limerick to Victoria!

In February we opened a kids' drop -in which the kids have named Kids' Kingdom. With a provincial grant to defray expenses the Kingdom is operated by a management board consisting of two parents and two kids. Parents are Maureen Cranfield and Sharon Poor and the children are Derek Smith and Jusselle Mortimer. Lynn Headrick is the supervisor of the Kingdom and Jusselle Mortimer volunteers to work with the younger children. Kids can drop in between 4 and 6 pm on any Monday or Thursday. They play, have a healthy snack and 'hang out' with their friends. We recently applied for another grant which, if we get it, will allow us to operate for the whole of the next school year.

Right now we are looking for someone to operate an ice cream stand for the summer. We imagine that it would be open from about 5 to 9 pm daily. To further entice people to the Centre we will be beginning disc golf and horseshoes in the playground of the Centre. These games are part of our initiative under the provincial Community in Motion program. We applied for and received a Community in Motion designation during the winter. This will give us access to grant money that will assist us to expand the number of people in our community who participate in physical activities.

We are also offering our first fine arts workshop in August of this year. Light, Shade & Colour: Inspiration in the Country will be taught by Laureen Marchand, a well known artist and instructor from Saskatoon. Dates of the workshop are August 7, 8 and 9.

Following the workshop we are offering what we are calling a traveling retreat. Designed especially for artists Seeing the Prairies through Artists' Eyes will take participants off the beaten track. Going first to the Shurniak Gallery and then the St. Victor Petroglyphs, the retreat will travel on to the Mergel Ranch and the Old Post museum at Wood Mountain and end at the co-cathedral in Gravelbourg. The traveling retreat will be delivered on August 9, 10 and 11.

Cheers to all my readers!

Lorelei

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Newsletter #5 January 2, 2009

Drop -in Centre for Children and Youth!

It is exciting to be able to report that we have received a grant that will allow us to open a drop-in centre for all our children and teens of school age. The grant includes enough money to operate approximately 4 hours a week from now to the end of June with a paid supervisor.

Included in our application was a description of governance for the Drop-in that would see us having a small Board consisting of two adults and two young people.

In order to open the Drop-in Centre we will need a community meeting of parents, children and other interested people to select the Board and begin the process of opening the Centre. In addition to the selection of the Board at the meeting we can discuss such things as best days and times and put into place the procedure for hiring the supervisor.

This start-up meeting will be held on
Tues., January 13 @ 7:30 pm in room #9
(the previous resource room)
at the Limerick Opportunity Centre.

Please pass this information along and encourage people to come. With a little effort this could be an ongoing grant that would see us having a safe place for our young people to gather throughout the year.

If you would like to discuss this before the meeting please do not hesitate to give Lorelei a call at 263-2064.

Astronomy!

A reminder to registrants that this course begins Monday, January 12 in room #6 at the LOC. If you missed this chance to take the course please let Mark or Lorelei know of your interest for future courses.

Legacy Fund

Donations continue to come in for the Limerick School Legacy Fund. We thank all those who have supported the Opportunity Centre in this way. If you want to be part of this community effort please speak to the staff at the RM office.

Tai Chi!

Interest in the Tai Chi course beginning Thursday, January 8 has been great!

At the time of preparing this newsletter a section of the course has been filled and instructor, Judy Mergel, has agreed to open a second section for the same evenings. So if you haven’t yet signed up and you wish to do so please call Judy @ 266-4211 or Lorelei @ 263-2064

Tai Chi is a form of exercise that:

-is low impact

-is weight-bearing so that it can benefit the bones

-can improve physical condition, muscle strength, coordination and flexibility

-can contribute to better balance and a lower risk of falls

-can ease pain and stiffness



Thanks for the Help!

It is wonderful that each time a newsletter is prepared there are people to thank for their generosity. This time we want to thank Val Bennett for the donation of a fridge in much better condition than the one we had. And thanks also to BJ Oncescu and Jackie for taking time during the holiday season to make the switch so that we go into 2009 with the old fridge gone and the new one in place.
Thanks to Sue Waiting and Shanelle for the gift and delivery of a great silk tree and a computer desk.

Thanks to Mark for shovelling open the front door after the snowy storm and to Gerald Kinchen for blowing the snow off our front walks between Christmas and New Year‘s.

We are a Community in Motion!

While this is not news to us we have made it official!

In October we made a formal application to be given the designation “Community in Motion”. By entering and participating in this provincial program we become eligible for assistance and grants to help us create a community that is physically active and pursuing healthy life choices.

We have now completed the first step in a multi-step process. We even have a flag to fly indicating that we are a Community in Motion!

Watch for future developments as we plan activities and events designed to draw more and more of our friends and families into a range of healthy endeavours.

 

 

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Nov 24 2008: Newsletter #4

Exercise Room Becomes a Reality!

We have met with the Opportunity Centre and the Rec Board and we have a plan for an Exercise Room. To start with we are going to set up in a small room at the Centre. The Rec. Board is willing to help with rent and the possible purchase of used equipment.

We need at least 10 people to commit to joining. The monthly fee is $25.00. Members will be given keys so that they can access the Exercise Room at any time and as often as they wish. Members will also be free to walk the hallways if they like to do that as part of their exercise regimen. If you walk end to end you will go 200 ft. You can calculate how many laps to go to complete a mile!?!

If there are any excess funds from memberships they will be used to cover months when membership is down or to purchase equipment.

This will be a six month trial. If it is not successful all equipment will be returned if you want it back. Any equipment not claimed will be sold with proceeds going to the Opportunity Centre.

If you are interested please leave your name with Marlene Mellquist.

For Sale By Tender!

1. The Village of Limerick in conjunction with the Limerick Opportunity Centre offers for sale by tender the following buildings which are located south of the former Industrial Arts building on Brian Street.

Garden shed (large white)

Garden shed (small red)

2. The buildings will be sold ?as is, where is? and prospective bidders are responsible for their own inspection of the buildings.

3. The successful bidder(s) must remove the buildings prior to December 1, 2008.

4. Sealed tenders mark ?Shed Tender? must be received by 3:00 p.m. Friday, November 14, 2008, and must indicate to which shed / sheds your tender pertains.

5. Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted.

For more information or to inspect the buildings, please contact Lorelei Rogers at 263-2064.

Health Fair!

Don't forget the official opening of the Limerick Healing Centre and the associated Health Fair being held at the Centre on Sunday, November 9, from 11 am to 5 pm. Ribbon cutting is scheduled for 11:30 am. There will be tables and information similar to that provided at trade fairs. In addition there will be informational talked scheduled throughout the day. For details give Tina a call.

First Opportunity Centre Sponsored Workshop

The Opportunity Centre has been working on a number of workshop ideas. The number of workshops offered in this community has decreased over the years. We are working to revive the option of attending workshops in this community. The number and frequency will be determined by community interest and participation.

Basic Cake Decorating!!

When: Saturday, November 22, 2008, 1 to 4 PM

Where: Trinity United Church kitchen

Instructor: Lee Borkwood

Learn how to: make four kinds of icing

avoid crumbs in your icing

make a shape cake

make coloured sugar

decorate a Christmas cookie

Bring: You will need to bring a 9' X 13 ' slab cake

All other supplies will be provided as part of your registration fee.

Cost: $25 per person.

Registration deadline: November 15. Contact Lorelei Rogers at 263-2064 to have your name added to the class list.

Wine Tasting!

There have been some informal discussions around the possibility of creating a wine tasting group. Interested? Give Wayne Smith a call.

Kupper's Kollectibles

Keep Kupper's Kollectibles in mind when you are shopping for that unusual gift. Items in the Kiosk can be viewed at any time just by giving Lorelei a call.

Volleyball

Volleyball has begun at the Centre thanks to the efforts of Margaret Shuweiler, Tim Cobbe and others. If you want a workout and volleyball is your game drop by the Centre on Friday evenings at 7:30 PM for fun and good exercise.

Help!

Thanks to the Rec. Board for purchasing a coffee urn for the Centre. It is great to be able to offer coffee for meetings!

We are still looking for a small fridge in good condition . We would like to replace the rusty thing presently in the Centre.

If you have any silk greenery that you are finished with we could use some to improve the look of the Centre and make it more 'adult' and inviting!

Communities in Motion

An application has been made to designate Limerick as a Community in Motion. This designation will allow us to make applications for grants designed to foster healthy physical activity. We are optimistic that such grants can be directed at activities in both the Centre and the Rink. We?ll keep you posted.

Thanks!

Thanks to Cal Jackson and Paul Leroy for lending their assistance as we work to get the heating systems operational at the Centre.

 

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Newsletter #3- Nov 3, 2008
Welcome, Limerick Healing Centre!

The Limerick Healing Centre is now established in room 5. Owner/operator Tina Cojocar maintains hours at her facility Tuesday through Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and at other times by appointment.

Tina is also planning a Health Fair to be held November 9 at the Opportunity Centre. Watch for posters for greater detail or call Tina at 306-263-4827 or on her cell at 306-642-8442.

Welcome, Group of Ten Photography Club!

In September the Group of Ten Photography Club held its first monthly meeting in the Opportunity Centre. We are pleased that the Club is at the Centre. For further information contact Bo Ruzicka or Maureen Cranfield.

Feasibility Committee

The feasibility Committee continues to meet to discuss ways to maximize community use of the Centre. We are particularly interested in ideas around teaching and promoting the Fine Arts.

Thanks!!!

Many thanks to Hilda and Joe Hildebrandt and the Limerick Hotel staff for the great food and the fun evening at the Bar-B-Q fundraiser! About 100 people came to build a burger, visit and support the operating budget of the Centre.

Because of people's generosity, over $2000 was added to the operating budget of the Centre! Special thanks to Joyce Belanger who helped make hamburgers, Marlene & Gord Mellquist who managed the 50/50 draw and Jasmine who, as usual pitched in to help provide excellent service!

Kupper's Kollectibles

Recently we had a very interesting phone call from Margaret Kupper of Congress. Margaret is an avid collector of china, jewelry and other lovely things and she proposed that we could sell some of her items taking a commission for each piece sold.

Margaret has put together an array of goods that are now for sale at the Centre. Priced reasonably there is a good chance that you will find just the right gift in the showcases. While unpacking the goods Lorelei found a bracelet to wear to an upcoming special event and the first sale was made!

If you want to go shopping call Lorelei and plan a time to view the items on sale.

Help!

We are looking for some equipment for the Centre. If you have a small fridge in good condition we would like to replace the rusty thing presently in the Centre. We are also looking for a working 30 cup coffee urn. And finally, if you have any silk greenery that you are finished with we could use some to improve the look of the Centre and make it more ?adult? and inviting! Thanks in advance for your help.


Communities in Motion

Thanks to Carolyn Ruzicka and Margaret Shuweiler for beginning the investigation into establishing Limerick as a "Community in Motion". Designating ourselves as such a community not only has the potential to help us have fun and be healthy it also can open the doors to grant money to be used in the community. A meeting of community committees and clubs will be held Monday, October 27 at 7:30 PM at the Centre. All are welcome!

Legacy Fund Thank You!

We want to humbly thank the Ruzicka family for specifying the Limerick School Legacy Fund as a possible recipient for donations in memory of the late Rudy Ruzicka.

Pages have been added to the Legacy Fund book and receipts have been sent.

If you wish to make a donation in memory of Mr. Ruzicka (or anyone else you would like to memorialize), please contact Lil Auser at the RM office or call the Centre at 263-2111.

World Wide Web

www.limerickopportunitycentre.com

Our web site continues to improve. On the site you will find info, pictures, video clips, maps and drawings about the Centre and Limerick.

One of the exciting pages on the site is our discussion board. There are places on the board to post event dates, items for sale and all sorts of other things. Just go to the home page and click on ENTER to move to the INDEX page. As we learn to use this page and other parts of the site it can become a useful tool for the whole community.

Programs, Workshops and Courses

Plans continue for the Centre to deliver a series of workshops in the community.

Lee Borkwood will teach a series of culinary arts/cooking evenings. These should begin in late January and you will be able to sign up for a complete multi-evening series, a few from the series or even a single evening that most interests you. Details will be available shortly.

Don Borkwood has agreed to teach an introductory jewellery making workshop. This first workshop will likely focus on creating a copper pendant. If there is adequate interest Don will then move on to creating something in silver.

Mark Bratten will share his love of astronomy in a workshop to be delivered in early 2009. (We want to do it when the sky darkens early!)

We also hope to deliver a workshop on decorating, cakes, cupcakes and cookies. Watch for details.

It is hoped that all of these workshops will be of interest to both adults and teen-agers in the community. Please feel free to tell you friends about the plans and encourage them to get their names on the waiting lists.

Cottage Industries

Have you ever thought you would like to start some small business that you could do right here in this community? What about starting a lumber salvage business?

Recently there was an article in the Leader Post about a man who salvages high quality lumber from old buildings. He was able to build a $1.5M house using grain elevator lumber. Others tell of salvaging lumber from old schools, barns and other buildings. There is money to be made in this eco-friendly enterprise!

Questions? Contact Us - Click Here!

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#2 : August 10 2008

 

Limerick Opportunity Centre

Fund RaiserWatch for the dates for the Limerick Hotel Fund-raiser. Thanks to Hilda for the idea and to Marlene Mellquist for stepping up to help!

Programs, Workshops and CoursesA Feasibility Committee was been formed. First members of the committee are Lee Borkwood, Gail Mergen, Lorelei Rogers and Heather Shurniak. This committee will develop short-term uses for the building as well as exploring longer term initiatives including the possibility of establishing a private vocational school. If you are interested in working on the committee please contact one of the four.

This fall, look for the Centre to sponsor workshops in cooking, astronomy & silver-smithing. We are working collaboratively with the Community College to deliver a non-credit course in carpentry sometime early in the new year.