Move Together: Strengthen Our Community by Supporting Chair Yoga this Giving Tuesday!

GivingTuesday takes place Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024

What is it?

Mark your calendars! Giving Tuesday is right around the corner on December 3, 2024. This global day of giving was established in 2012 with one goal: to encourage people to do good by giving back. This year, Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association (HSCA) is thrilled to join the movement by spotlighting a cause that’s close to our hearts—our Chair Yoga program for seniors.

Why Chair Yoga?

As we age, it’s essential to stay connected, physically active, and engaged in a community. HSCA’s Chair Yoga program is designed specifically for our senior members, promoting well-being in a way that’s both safe and fun! Chair Yoga offers gentle movement, relaxation, and a welcoming space for seniors to gather, connect, and build friendships. These sessions help participants maintain flexibility, health, while fostering a sense of belonging.

Help Us Reach Our $4,000 Fundraising Goal

On Giving Tuesday, we’re aiming to raise $4,000 to keep Chair Yoga accessible and impactful for all who benefit from it. Every donation helps cover program costs, providing seniors with a safe, supportive environment to maintain their physical and social well-being. Your contribution will make a real difference in our community!

Calls to Action

1. Move Together: Donate to HSCA’s Chair Yoga Program this Giving Tuesday on December 3, 2024. Visit hsca.ca/donate to see the different ways you can give.

2. Save the Date: Add HSCA’s Giving Tuesday campaign to your Google Calendar today! [Save the Date: HSCA’s GivingTuesday]

3. Spread the Word: Consider sharing HSCA’s Giving Tuesday campaign with your circle to drive donations leading up to December 3rd. Every share counts!

Let’s join together this Giving Tuesday to reach our goal and continue the positive impact of Chair Yoga—bringing connection, wellness, and joy to our seniors, one gentle stretch at a time.

New Year, New You: Vinyasa Flow Yoga with Richelle at HSCA

Kick off 2025 with a mindful, moving start! HSCA is thrilled to announce that starting Friday, January 10, we’ll be offering Vinyasa Flow Yoga with Richelle Peace. Thank you to everyone who took the time to fill out our recreation program survey—we heard you and listened! Based on your feedback, we’re bringing you this exciting new class.

Class Details:

- When: Fridays, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

- Where: North Social Hall, HSCA

- Instructor: Richelle Peace

-Registration: Opens Monday, November 4th, 2025. Visit: HSCA Yoga | Activities | Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association Store

What to Expect:

Each 60-minute class is designed to meet you wherever you are in your yoga journey. Whether you're new to yoga or a seasoned yogi, Richelle’s inclusive Vinyasa Flow class combines breathwork, meditation, and flowing movements to help you feel both energized and at ease.

This Vinyasa Flow class is more than just an activity—it’s an experience that brings community members together, fostering a shared sense of wellness. With regular practice, you’ll feel greater flexibility, reduced stress, and a weekly boost to your overall mood.

What to Bring:

All you’ll need is a yoga mat (plus any blocks or props you might want for added support). Wear something comfy, and come ready to unwind, breathe deeply, and move mindfully. Leave the class feeling refreshed, centred, and ready to take on whatever comes your way!

So mark your calendar, bring your mat, and come as you are! Everyone is welcome, and we can’t wait to see you on the mat every Friday beginning January 10, 2025!

November is Fall Prevention Month

As the colder months approach, we often think of snow-packed and icy sidewalks as the primary cause of falls. But falls can happen anywhere, and for some, the consequences can be far more serious than just a bruised ego or body. For some individuals, even a small fall can lead to significant and long-lasting effects. 

Most falls occur in or around the home, but the good news is that there are plenty of steps we can take to reduce the risk. It’s more than just clearing tripping hazards or securing handrails. Here are a few essential tips to help prevent falls:  

  • Home Safety: Secure handrails, ensure hallways and stairs are well-lit, and remove any obstacles that could cause someone to trip, especially in high-traffic areas. 

  • Build Strength & Balance: Exercises that focus on improving balance and building muscle strength can go a long way in fall prevention. 

  • Footwear Matters: Wearing shoes with proper support can make a huge difference in stability. 

  • Assistive Devices: For those who need them, canes, walkers, or even hearing aids and proper glasses can provide additional support. 

  This November, explore the many resources available for Falls Prevention Month. With a bit of awareness and simple adjustments, we can help make homes and public spaces safer for everyone, especially those most at risk. Even small changes can help prevent a fall and the potentially serious consequences that come with it. Let’s work together to keep our community safe, healthy, and strong! 

Visit https://findingbalancealberta.ca/ to learn more. 

It Takes a Community to Grow a Garden: HSCA’s Shared Garden Season Wrap-Up

As the garden beds rest and the last of the harvest is gathered, we want to thank the amazing volunteers for their commitment and efforts in the HSCA Shared Garden and reflect on another incredible season. From planting to harvesting, our volunteers have made all the difference, coming together to sow not just seeds, but the spirit of collaboration and care. 

This season, your efforts helped us contribute to something greater. With the food we’ve grown, we were able to support the HSCA’s Sustainable Food Program and Neighbor Night Program, bringing fresh, local produce to our community. Every bit of time, every weed pulled, and every vegetable harvested, connection made, has made an important impact.  

A Season in Review 

  • At the beginning of the season, we picked up compost & mulch from the city. The compost helped to provide nutrients to the soil and the mulch which helped with water retention & keeping the weeds to a minimum.  

  • This year we had at least 10 consistent volunteers working in the gardens including one gal and her young son.  

  • Thanks to the hard work of our team, we harvested a wonderful variety of vegetables and herbs, including potatoes, zucchini, spinach, Swiss chard, beans, onions, tomatoes, peas, beets, carrots, and even pumpkins. These fresh, vibrant foods went on to nourish many! 

  • Some volunteers were so inspired by their experience that they started their own plants at home.  

 We are grateful to each volunteer that has contributed to this season’s success. Together, we have cultivated more than vegetables; we’ve fostered connections, shared knowledge, and created a space for growth and connection. We look forward to more seasons of growth, collaboration, and community! 

We Want to Hear from You: Share Your Feedback in Our HSCA Recreational Survey!

Do you have ideas on how we can improve recreational offerings in our community? We want to hear from you! Fill out our brief online survey today and you could win:

  • a one-year HSCA Membership

  • a $25 gift card to Good Trade Coffee.  

How to Participate 

Filling out the survey takes just a few minutes, and every response helps. Click the link below to get started: 

👉 https://forms.office.com/r/s5xUnxKb8j  

  The survey will be open until Tuesday, October 15th, so don’t miss your chance to contribute! 

What’s in It for You? 

Our neighborhood thrives when we all come together. With your input, we can determine which recreational programs reflect our community’s diverse interests.  So, don’t wait—share your thoughts with us today, and let’s work toward an even better, more active and connected community. 

Plus, everyone who completes the survey has the option to be entered into a prize draw for a chance to win a one-year HSCA Membership and a $25 gift card to Good Trade Coffee. 

 

Thank you for being a part of HSCA’s future! 

Halloween at the HSCA Flea Market: A Spooktacular Event!

Sunday, October 27th, 7am-3pm.

Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 27th, 2024, because Halloween is coming to the HSCA Flea Market! This year, we’re pulling out all the stops with a day filled with family fun, costumes, magic, and community spirit. Whether you're a vendor or a customer, there's something for everyone. Here's what to expect: 

Costume Contest and Parade 

Put on your spookiest, silliest, or most creative costume and join us for a costume contest like no other! Both vendors and customers are welcome to participate. To enter, make sure you're registered before noon—no late entries will be accepted. The contest kicks off with a parade through the building at 12:30pm, where all the fabulous costumes will be on display for votes from our marketgoers.  

Most Halloween-Themed Table 

Vendors, this one’s for you! Get your booth decked out in all things spooky and enter the **Most Halloween-Themed Table Contest. This is your chance to let your creativity shine with eerie decorations, spooky treats, or themed products. Voting is open to both vendors and customers and will close at 2:00pm. Make sure to register to enter, and may the best (and/or spookiest) table win!  

Magic Show 

Get ready for some mystical fun with our magic show at 1:30pm by magician Spencer Mah! This family-friendly performance will dazzle kids and adults alike with illusions, tricks, and plenty of Halloween surprises. It’s the perfect way to take a break from shopping and soak in the spooky season.  

Whether you're in it for the contests, the magic, or just a fun-filled day at the market, Halloween at the HSCA Flea Market promises to be a fantastic event for all ages. Come in costume, vote for your favourite Halloween table, and enjoy the magic and community spirit that makes our market so special. 

See you there on October 27th for a hauntingly good time! 🎃 

The HSCA Flea Market runs EVERY Sunday, year-round from 7am-3pm and admission is FREE. Bring the family to browse, connect, or grab some lunch or breakfast at the concession (Queen Latina’s is serving up delicious food every Sunday). The Flea Market has over 100 vendors, featuring crafts, furniture, antiques, books, household items, and more!

Membership Partner Spotlight: Introducing Paper Places

HSCA is thrilled to announce our newest Membership Partner: Paper Places! You may have already seen her beautiful watercolours on Instagram or around the community. Check out Alice’s blog post below to dive deeper into Paper Places, including an introduction to Alice—the talented artist behind it all—and her thoughtful approach to capturing the character and creativity that flows through Sunnyside.  Plus see the special offers available to HSCA Membership holders!

To learn more about HSCA Membership (including perks and offerings) visit our Membership Partner page. 

Introducing Paper Places 

Hi! I’m Alice, the artist behind Paper Places. I create watercolour paintings of houses and storefronts, many of which are custom house portraits. After moving to Sunnyside, I immediately fell in love with this beautiful neighbourhood. Each house has its own character and unique style, reflecting the creativity of its residents in such an inspiring way. This love for Sunnyside inspired me to start Paper Places, and I wanted it to be the focus of my first series. 

About the Sunnyside series 

For 56 days, I painted miniature versions of 56 Sunnyside houses. Each day, I would paint a different one, film the process, and share it on Instagram. After I got a lot of positive feedback, I have decided to turn my series into a limited edition poster. They are printed in Calgary by Little Rock Printing. You can find the posters on my website or at our lovely local tea shop, Oolong Tea Shop Kensington. 

Creativity around every corner 

The best part of the Hillhurst Sunnyside community is its residents and their inspiring creativity. Every time I take a walk through the neighbourhood, I discover new murals, the most adorable lawn decorations, fairy houses on trees, and so much more. It’s these thoughtful -sometimes very subtle- art installations that turn each walk into an adventure. On that note, I would like to give a special mention to the bike on a house, the aliens and gargoyles tree, and of course, the upcycled sculpture on the car. 

I want to paint your houses 

The reason why I became an HSCA membership partner is simple: I want to paint your houses! I know that you love your houses and take pride in them, so what better way to cherish them than with a custom house portrait! No house is too simple: my role as an artist is to show you that beauty is everywhere, and that charm might come from subtle details such as the shadow of a tree on a facade or a logo on a storefront. Your story is worth every brushstroke. 

To celebrate our community, I would like to offer HSCA members:  

  • 25% of the limited edition Sunnyside poster 

Please send a picture of your valid HSCA Membership card to alicepaperplaces@gmail.com to get a discount code to use on paperplaces.ca 

  • 15% of 9"x12" custom house portraits 

Please send a picture of your valid HSCA Membership card to alicepaperplaces@gmail.com before sending a house portrait request. 

City of Calgary in Stage 4 Outdoor Water Restrictions- Effective Aug 26th

An important update from the City of Calgary

Important reminder!
Starting August 26th, 2024, the City of Calgary will be in Stage 4 Outdoor Water Restrictions.

Stage 4 Outdoor Water Restrictions prohibits all outdoor water use of City of Calgary potable water.

This means that the following is not allowed at any time:

- Using outdoor sprinklers
- Using hoses with spray nozzles
- Hand watering, unless it is with non-potable water or rainwater
- Watering new or established lawns, gardens, flowers, trees, shrubs, sod or grass seed with City water
- Washing outdoor cars, windows, exterior building surfaces, sidewalks, driveways or walkways
- Filling of outdoor pools, hot tubs or wading pools with City water
- Filling of fountains and other decorative features
- Water use for construction purposes including grading, compactions and dust control
- Pesticide or fertilizer application that requires the use of City water

For more info visit https://newsroom.calgary.ca/psa-stage-4-outdoor-water-restrictions-in-effect-august-26

Changes to HSCA's Sustainable Food Program (SFP)

Effective September 9, 2024, HSCA will be implementing some important changes to the Sustainable Food Program. The free food portion of the program will be ending, and the focus will shift to be on low-cost produce. After extensive research, HSCA has chosen to strategically invest our resources into community connections, and low-cost food partnerships.  

This decision has not been made lightly. We have spent a great deal of time looking at all options, and HSCA believes we can best serve the community through strengthening our relationship with Fresh Routes and using our resources to build connections and relationships through community programs. We recognize that this change will be significant, and we are committed to working with you as we take this step toward providing a deeper impact within our areas of strength as an organization.  

Monday August 26th will be the last day that free food will be offered as part of the program. There will be no changes to HSCA's partnership with Fresh Routes. Fresh Routes will be available every Monday (except statutory holidays) from 4pm-6pm to offer produce. HSCA will continue to provide a discount of 25% for anyone living in Hillhurst or Sunnyside who is interested in that support.  

Please visit our Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) page for more information about these changes. HSCA also has a list of Calgary Food Resources available. Finally, HSCA has an extensive online resource tool (HSCA’s Community Resource Guide) that showcases the organizations that have direct mandates for offering free food, that are better resourced to serve this need, and that can provide greater impact in this area. These organizations are listed on HSCA's website: www.hsca.ca/resources-1. 

The next steps will include using our capacity to seek stable funding for the low-cost grocery discount and building connections and relationships for participants through community programs. 

We, the team at HSCA, feel confident that this change in direction will increase our impact by focusing our programs and services to align with our strengths and our mission. We are grateful that you are part of this community and hope to continue serving you.  

With gratitude and support, 

The HSCA Team 

Groundbreaking Ceremony: The Sunnyside Flood Barrier Project and Community Advocacy

On July 18th, the City of Calgary held an official groundbreaking ceremony for the Sunnyside Flood Barrier project at Poppy Plaza. The event was attended by members of the Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association’s (HSCA) Emergency Preparedness and Response Committee (EPARC), HSCA’s Executive Director Kate Stenson, Mayor Gondek, Councillor Wong, city administration officials, project team members, and media representatives.

The ceremony marked the beginning of construction of the flood barrier but represents 11 years of dedication and advocacy efforts of residents for flood mitigation infrastructure through HSCA’s Emergency Preparedness and Response Committee (EPARC). The Sunnyside Flood Barrier project is a powerful example of how community involvement and advocacy can influence City projects and lead to meaningful change. This project underscores the importance of a shared vision and a collective determination to find solutions that accommodate the diverse needs of the community. The commitment shown by EPARC over the past 11 years illustrates that achieving such a goal requires substantial effort, patience, and unwavering focus. This project did not come without challenges and required a high level of collaboration with the City and across HSCA’s own committees (EPARC, Sunnyside Brightening Commitee, and the Mobility Commitee). Although residents and HSCA committees wanted this outcome sooner, 11 years later, the outcome has addressed three important areas: better flood protection, mobility improvements, and enhancements to the public realm. 

EPARC Chair, Charlie Lund, explains that there were many challenges along the way, including “sticking with the task for 11 long years”. Other key challenges included: convincing the City to increase the protection level from 1:20 to 1:100; challenging the City's engineering consultants' assessments; and advocating for public realm improvements. Despite these challenges, EPARC's persistence led to significant achievements, including securing a higher level of flood protection and incorporating important public space enhancements. 

Looking forward, as EPARC's role in the Sunnyside Flood Barrier project concludes, the baton is passed to other HSCA committees: the Sunnyside Brightening Committee (SBC) and the HSCA Mobility Committee. These groups will continue to advocate for improvements in their areas of focus, ensuring that the community's voice remains a driving force in shaping the neighborhood's future. 

This experience emphasizes the crucial role of community involvement in public projects and the importance of advocating for your community. It also serves as a reminder that significant achievements often require a long-term commitment and a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with decision-makers. 

HSCA’s Sunnyside Brightening Committee and Mobility  

To learn more about HSCA’s sub-committees and the important work they are doing, visit https://www.hsca.ca/subcommittees 

  • Sunnyside Brightening Committee (SBC) – focused on the public realm and ensuring there was art incorporated into the designs. Successes include the mural painted on the lift station, as well as design elements that will be incorporated into the flood barrier itself. Learn more at hsca.ca/subcomittees  

  • Mobility – ensuring the active pathways are designed to a high–standard, limiting impacts to those sharing them. The current pathways have challenging areas due to bike paths and walking paths converging, but with their advocacy they were able to highlight these pressure points and ensure that the current challenges are negated or lessened with the new design. Learn more at hsca.ca/subcomittees 

For more information about the Sunnyside Flood Barrier Project, visit calgary.ca/sunnysidefloodbarrier.

 

You're Invited to the Teddy Bear Picnic at the HSCA Farmers' Market

WHEN: Wednesday, August 21st from 3-7pm at the HSCA Farmers’ Market

♩ If you go down in the MARKET today, you're sure of a big surprise 
If you go down in the MARKET today, you'd better go in disguise 
For every bear that ever there was  
Will gather there for certain because  
Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic ♩ 

Join us for an enchanting and fun afternoon at the HSCA Farmers' Market on Wednesday, August 21, from 3 PM to 7 PM, for a special Teddy Bear Picnic! This delightful event is perfect for families and children, offering a range of fun activities: 

  • Teddy Bear Clinic: Westmount Vet Clinic will host a Teddy Bear Clinic where children can bring their beloved stuffed animals for a check-up. 

  • Magical Stories: Enjoy storytime with our friends from Little Read Reading House, who will captivate young listeners with enchanting tales. 

  • Face Painting and Balloons: Add to the fun with vibrant face painting and playful balloon creations. 

Don't forget to bring your favorite teddy bear to join in the picnic! While you're there, explore and shop from our incredible local vendors, offering fresh produce and local products. 

We look forward to seeing you and your teddy bears for a magical afternoon! 

HSCA Community Partner Spotlight: A Fresh Routes Q & A

At the HSCA we believe in the power of collaboration and community. HSCA’s ability to make a meaningful impact in our community is deeply rooted in the partnerships we’ve cultivated with other organizations. We sat down with the Fresh Routes team to shine a spotlight on the Fresh Routes organization as part of our Community Partner Spotlight series.  

Fresh Routes Mobile Grocery Store is set up at HSCA every Monday (except stat holidays) from 4-6pm, providing our community with access to more affordable produce. Everyone is welcome!  

What is Fresh Routes?  

Fresh Routes is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to bringing fresh and healthy fruits and vegetables directly to communities through our mobile grocery store. Our mission is to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious food, regardless of where they live or their economic situation. 
 
What Makes Fresh Routes special? 

What makes Fresh Routes truly special is our unwavering commitment to the communities we serve. We don't just deliver food; we build connections. By visiting neighbourhoods directly, we lower the barriers to food access and foster a sense of belonging and community. Our markets are more than just a place to buy groceries—they are a place where neighbours connect, relationships are built, and conversations flourish. 
 
We pride ourselves on being friendly, inclusive, and approachable. Every interaction is an opportunity to strengthen community ties and support one another. Our work is driven by a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the communities we serve, and we are dedicated to making a positive impact every day.  

Inspiration Behind Fresh Routes  

What inspires us at Fresh Routes is the resilience and strength of the communities we serve. Every day, we see the positive impact that access to fresh, nutritious food can have on people's lives. It’s incredibly inspiring to witness the bonds that form, the stories that are shared, and the support networks that grow in our markets. 
 
We are driven by the belief that everyone deserves access to healthy food, regardless of where they live or their economic situation. This mission fuels our dedication to breaking down barriers and creating inclusive spaces where people can not only find the food they need but also connect with others and build a stronger, healthier community together. 
 
Seeing the smiles on people’s faces and knowing we are making a tangible difference keeps us motivated and passionate about our work every single day. 

Community Building Stories 

...We [at Fresh Routes] have many heartwarming stories about community building, but [a notable one] ... is from our regular market visits to a senior community center. 
 
At this center, many of the seniors have limited mobility and face challenges accessing fresh, nutritious food. When we started bringing our mobile grocery store to their neighbourhood, it was clear that it wasn’t just about providing food; it was about fostering a sense of community. 
 
One of our regular customers, Maria, shared how our visits have become a highlight for her and her neighbours. They look forward to our arrival not only because they can purchase fresh produce but also because it gives them an opportunity to gather, chat, and connect with each other and with our team. Over time, we’ve seen friendships blossom among the seniors. 
 
This experience reinforced our belief that food access is just one part of the equation. By being present in the community, we help to build a supportive network where people feel valued and connected. It’s these moments of connection and the relationships that form which truly embody the spirit of community building at Fresh Routes. 

What do you enjoy most about the Hillhurst Sunnyside community?  

What we enjoy most about the Hillhurst Sunnyside community is its vibrant, inclusive atmosphere. The sense of belonging and mutual support among community members is truly inspiring. People here are genuinely friendly, and there's a strong emphasis on building connections and supporting one another. Whether it’s through local events, markets, or simply daily interactions, the community spirit is palpable. Being part of Hillhurst Sunnyside feels like being part of a big, welcoming family, and it’s incredibly rewarding to contribute to such a positive and engaged community. 

More about Fresh Routes  

Find Fresh Routes on Instagram, Facebook or visit their website to learn more!  

The Riley Women

Margaret Louise Riley (1900-1957) 

Author and longtime children’s librarian Margaret Louise (1900-1957), is best known for her role in introducing children’s sections to Calgary’s public libraries. She was educated in library science, majoring in children’s libraries, and completed her post-graduate work in that field. In 1930 she joined the Calgary Public Library system, serving as its children’s librarian for 19 years and becoming the assistant chief librarian in 1949. In addition to establishing a room in the libraries for youth, her initiatives included developing the library’s collection of children’s books and initiating a Children’s Story Hour on radio. Louise also served as chairman of the Alberta Library Board, and was a published author of adult and children’s books. She lived with her father in the Ezra Riley family home until 1936, the year before Ezra’s passing, at which time it was sold to the Anglican Diocese.  

 

Maude Riley (nee Keene, 1880-1962)

Maude Riley was just as well-known as [her husband] Harold, and was recognized for her achievements in women’s rights, child welfare and justice reforms, and family courts. Born in Ontario, Maude came to Calgary in 1903, teaching at the Nose Creek School up until the time she married Harold in1907. She helped found the Calgary Playground Association in 1917 and the Calgary Child Welfare Society in 1918 (which later became the Alberta Council on Child and Family Welfare) and served as president of the Council for four decades. Her honours include an award by the Belgian government for work on behalf of the Belgian Relief Fund and the King George VI Coronation Medal. Their son Harold W Riley Jr was a lawyer and for a period of time worked with Riley’s Limited; in 1957 he was appointed to the Alberta Supreme Court. 

 This is an excerpt from the Hillhurst Sunnyside Historical Context paper, ‘Early Homesteaders & Pioneer Settlement (1883-1907) (pp. 14-16). For more on the history of Hillhurst Sunnyside, check out the full paper: https://www.hsca.ca/historical-context-paper. 

The HSCA Flea Market Celebrated Canada Day

Over the Canada Day long weekend, the HSCA Flea Market hosted a fun-filled Canada Day event. This special event market was decked out with Canadian flags, red and white decorations, and unique Canadiana displays by vendors. The event also featured a series of family fun activities, facepainting, prizes, and a scavenger hunt. Both vendors and patrons participated in this interactive scavenger hunt and received a ‘passport card’ which featured three (3) categories: ‘take a selfie with it’; ‘buy it’; and ‘do it’. The scavenger hunt was a hit and popular with people of all ages and encouraged vendors and shoppers to explore and ‘travel’ around to see all the market has to offer. Participants received completion stamps on their passports from various outposts around the market.  

Angel, the HSCA Flea Market Manager, explains that community events like this capture the community spirit that makes the HSCA Flea Market unique. Although the Sunday market is a great way to save, support local vendors and shop sustainably, many people come to connect with friends and community, grab a coffee (and/or the breakfast) “Our market is more than a market...  it’s family” she added.  

The HSCA Flea Market runs EVERY Sunday, year-round from 7am-3pm and admission is FREE. Bring the family to browse, connect, or grab some lunch or breakfast at the concession (Queen Latina’s is serving up delicious food every Sunday). The Flea Market has over 100 vendors, featuring crafts, furniture, antiques, books, household items, and more!

Be sure to stay tuned for more special event Flea Markets by following HSCA on our socials (on Facebook and Instagram). Events and updates will also be posted to the Flea Market page at hsca.ca/flea-market

““Our market is more than a market...  it’s family””
— Angel, HSCA Flea Market Manager

Social Connection

Submitted by: Chantal Fillion 

Registered Provisional Psychologist 

VIVID Psychology & Wellness (Kensington) 

Did you know that one of the best ways to reduce stress and combat burnout is through social connection? When we’re stressed and burned out, we often withdraw from others because we don’t have the time or energy to reach out. While a short break can help, prolonged withdrawal can harm our relationships and lead to isolation. Over time, this can cause serious harm to our mental health! 

Humans are social by nature. We need good relationships to thrive, even if our enjoyment of social settings and situations varies. Research supports that people with strong social networks have better long-term stress resilience, health, and mental wellbeing. Social connections provide support during tough times and can bring new experiences, purpose, learning, joy, and love into our lives. 

When we join activities, attend events, or even volunteer, we give ourselves the chance to meet new people we may connect with deeply. These connections can boost our self-esteem, self-acceptance, and sense of hope, motivating us to stay more engaged and live fuller lives. While feeling drained after social interactions can be totally normal, it can also be a sign that you feel unable to be your authentic self around others. This suggests a potential need for deeper, more genuine connections that help you feel understood, supported, and safe to be yourself. 

Finding people we truly connect with takes time, but it’s never too late to get started. It is easy to become socially isolated without realizing it. If you’ve been feeling down and you’re not sure why, it may be time to reach out and start connecting more. If you notice someone else withdrawing, it may be helpful to encourage them to start connecting again as well. 

If you’re not sure where to start, consider the following: making small changes can lead to more sustainable long-term improvements. Small changes are easier to maintain and gradually build into lasting habits. Taking manageable steps looks different for everyone, so try to make changes that feel like a good fit for you. If you feel like you need support or guidance in this process, you can always reach out to a mental health professional.  

Community associations like the HSCA are a fantastic resource for improving your social connections and well-being! The HSCA offers a bunch of activities and programs that are meant to bring people together and to build stronger, healthier communities. They create opportunities for people to meet new friends, share common interests, and find a deeper sense of belonging and connection. 

Consider checking out the HSCA Community Connections page or the events calendar for opportunities to join in and make a difference—for yourself and your community. 

Links

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2921311/ 

2. https://heartcareeducators.ca/2023/11/03/how-investing-in-social-support-can-help-you-manage-burnout/ 

3. https://www.hsca.ca/community-connections 

4. https://www.hsca.ca/programsrecreationcalendar 

HSCA's Community Resource Guide

Visit www.hsca.ca/resources-1 to view the updated HSCA Community Resource Guide. Click on each category for listings of available resources, supports, and assistance in Calgary. Although we do our best to keep this guide up-to-date and accurate, please connect with organizations to confirm accuracy.

If you are unable to find the resource or support you are looking for, contact 2-1-1 to speak with a community resource specialist.

Have suggestion or additions for HSCA’s Community Resource Guide? Please consider submitting a suggestion form: HSCA Community Resource Guide Suggestions for Edits & Additions.

A Sip N Chat Farewell to Reiko!

Sip ‘N’ Chat runs Every Tuesday, 2-4pm

Last Tuesday, HSCA and Sip ‘N’ Chat participants said farewell to Community Connections Coordinator, Reiko. Participants and staff shared their heartfelt appreciation and parting words over sweets and warm beverages in HSCA’s Hearth room. Reiko has shared that one of her primary objectives was to ensure people felt welcomed, supported, and included (HSCA’s 2023 Annual Report). Reiko joined the HSCA team last summer to cover Shaye’s parental leave and will be moving on to a new opportunity. During her time at HSCA, Reiko led our Neighbour Night, Tuesday’s Sip ‘N’ Chat and Monday’s sustainable food program. Although we’re all very excited for Reiko’s next adventure, we will miss her compassion, enthusiasm, and, of course, her impressive origami skills that she has shared across programming and around the centre. Thank you for making a lasting impact on our community, Reiko!  

More about Sip ‘N’ Chat

Sip 'N' Chat runs EVERY Tuesday from 2-4pm at HSCA. The weekly program offers a casual, low- committal, drop-in format where all are welcome. The connections and relationships that participants make in the Hearth room have sprouted and extended far beyond the walls of HSCA. “Participants have truly created a network of support” says Reiko.

Sip ‘N’ Chat’s ‘Basket of Questions’

Community members often connect and chat using ‘the basket of questions'. Just like it sounds, the basket of questions is basket full of questions or talking points for participants to pull from to break the ice and promote conversation. Read one participant’s experience below.

“One person picks a question out of the basket, answer[s] it, and paper is passed around so everyone present gets a chance to answer. This has resulted in unbelievable discussions! Everyone answers from their perspectives, and this often leads to many interesting facets of our lives being discussed! The coffee, tea, and goodies, oranges always included is a highlight for those with food insecurity! However, everyone enjoys these treats! This group works so well, because it involves all age groups! I believe this is one of the keys to its success. We also come from many different countries and many different cultures. This enriches our discussions and opens our minds to new horizons! Of course, all good groups are led by good leaders. Thank you for all your hard work, Reiko”. ~ 2023 Sip ‘n’ Chat Participant 

Mental Health Moment

Submitted by Nancy Bergeron, R.Psych. | info@nancybergeron.ca

 How to ‘Hold Space’ for Someone 

As a therapist I do many things that are educational, directive, and methodological. However, there is a magic that happens in the room when I seem to do nothing at all. All it looks like is a slight nodding of my head and/or a concerned expression on my face. But what’s really happening is that I am holding space for my client.  

To hold space for someone means to offer them your presence, attention, and support without judgement or interruption. It involves creating a safe and accepting environment for them to express themselves fully, without feeling rushed or invalidated. It’s about being fully present for someone, and allowing them to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences openly. 

People are starving for a witness to their existence. Why do you think Instagram and Tik Tok are so popular. Sometimes the therapy is just there to listen, not to fix anything. A majority of the time, the answers lie within my clients. We live in a society where we praise those who are always talking, and say so little about those who are great at listening.  

Therapists hold space by actively listening, being empathetic, and creating a safe environment for our clients. We provide unconditional support and encouragement for our clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Therapists also offer validation, understanding and guidance as needed, while allowing our clients to lead the conversation and set their own pace for their healing journey. We live in a fast paced, fix it, task-oriented world, and we miss the opportunities to hold space.  

Many times, my first session starts with a client stating their problem and asking me how to fix it. That’s my cue to slow things down. When they say “what do you think I should do?” I like to answer with “how do you see this unfolding, or what are your thoughts on some of the choices you’ve thought about?” Most times, just slowing things down and allowing folks to feel relaxed, safe, and heard, they can come to their own decisions and empowerment. They truly just needed to feel okay with being in their emotions and that I will listen without judgement. 

How can you hold space for the people in your life? Be present. Your physical presence can be more powerful than any words. Listen actively by not interrupting and allowing them to express their feelings. When they are done pouring out their heart, validate the feelings they shared. Do not engage in clichés as they can feel dismissing. Respect their process of working through intense feelings. Check in with them regularly. And finally, offer practical support by asking if you can take over a specific task. Asking them to reach out to you if they need anything falls flat as they are in their emotional brain and do not have the capacity to constructively think about what they actually need help with. 

HSCA Turns 76 this July! The Evolution of a Community Association

 HSCA has been serving our community since 1948! Over the last 76 years the association has evolved, pivoted, and grown. Check out our ‘Looking Back: Evolution of a Community Centre’ map from our 2023 Annual Report’ to get a snapshot over the years.  You can view our entire 2023 Annual Report here.

We want to hear from you!  

Do you have memories, photos, or stories from years before you would like to share? Reach out to stephanie.c@hsca.ca. OR tell us/share what you love most about your community.

Learn more 

To learn more about the history of Hillhurst Sunnyside, check out these two great resources:  

• Check out the Hillhurst Sunnyside Context Paper 

• Read through the digital version of Hillhurst Sunnyside Remembers by Margaret Tanko