From Laurie and the good folks at the GPPL:
Friends Fall Book Sale
Looking for that rare, out of print or hard to find book? Check out the Friends Book Sale - a treasure trove for the book lover!
Come Saturday for first choice books or arrive Sunday and grab a bag of books for a toonie. Ask about our special preview night for Friends of the Library members. Presented by the Grande Prairie Public Library Friends Society.
Saturday, September 20, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 21, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Spencer Room – Grande Prairie Public Library
Canadian Children’s Author Jean Little Visits the Library
Meet internationally acclaimed and award winning Canadian children’s writer Jean Little as she shares her stories with us. Jean has been writing since 1962 and some of her newest books are part of popular Canadian series such as Dear Canada and Orca Readers. Jean’s books will be on display in the library for the month of September. Registration required. Parents and children of all ages will enjoy this very special visit.
Monday, Sept 22, 2008 from 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Spencer Room – Grande Prairie Public Library
Art & Poetry
Join Sabine Schneider in exploring the connections between art and poetry. Local artwork from the Prairie Art Gallery will be incorporated into this exciting program. For ages 6-12. Registration required.
Tuesdays Sept 23, Oct 21, Nov 18 from 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Monday, September 8, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Looking for Firefighters
I made a note a while ago about the adoption of the new Fire Service Master Plan. The Plan calls for the largest investment in fire since the city moved from having one hall to our current two. We will add a third hall on the west side of the city in the next few years at a projected cost of $10.7 million.
But of course the capital cost of the hall and equipment is only one small part of the service expansion - you also have to factor in the operational costs. In this case that means paying all the new firefighters that will be required. By the time the new hall is operational in 2010 the staffing costs will be just slightly less than $2 million dollars per year.
It's a big commitment of course but it's an important step in ensuring that city service are keeping up with the growth of the community over the last few years.
So with all that in mind:
"New Release
Have you considered becoming a Firefighter?
The City of Grande Prairie’s Fire Department is hosting a number of recruitment sessions in early September for people interested in a career as a firefighter. The first is Wednesday Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. at the Pete Eagar Fire Station on Resources Road.
“Firefighting is a challenging and rewarding career,” says Deputy Fire Chief Janine Blackburn. “If you are interested in seeking employment in this field, attending one of these sessions will be very valuable for you. It will provide an opportunity to talk to staff who’ve been through the recruitment process, and a thorough understanding of the qualifications required. There will be tours of the fire hall and visitors can review the opportunities available.”
Applicants must be 18 years of age and have no criminal record.
The dates and times for the recruitment information sessions are:
Wednesday, September 3 at 7 p.m.
Monday, September 8 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, September 13 at 2 p.m.
**Note: This is the same information session repeated on different dates.
Location:
Pete Eagar Fire Station
8111 Resources Road
Grande Prairie, AB
If you require more information on these Firefighter career information sessions, please contact Janine Blackburn, Deputy Fire Chief, at phone number: 780-830-5022.
Media enquiries may be directed to:
Janine Blackburn
Deputy Fire Chief
Grande Prairie Fire Department
Phone: 780-830-5022"
But of course the capital cost of the hall and equipment is only one small part of the service expansion - you also have to factor in the operational costs. In this case that means paying all the new firefighters that will be required. By the time the new hall is operational in 2010 the staffing costs will be just slightly less than $2 million dollars per year.
It's a big commitment of course but it's an important step in ensuring that city service are keeping up with the growth of the community over the last few years.
So with all that in mind:
"New Release
Have you considered becoming a Firefighter?
The City of Grande Prairie’s Fire Department is hosting a number of recruitment sessions in early September for people interested in a career as a firefighter. The first is Wednesday Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. at the Pete Eagar Fire Station on Resources Road.
“Firefighting is a challenging and rewarding career,” says Deputy Fire Chief Janine Blackburn. “If you are interested in seeking employment in this field, attending one of these sessions will be very valuable for you. It will provide an opportunity to talk to staff who’ve been through the recruitment process, and a thorough understanding of the qualifications required. There will be tours of the fire hall and visitors can review the opportunities available.”
Applicants must be 18 years of age and have no criminal record.
The dates and times for the recruitment information sessions are:
Wednesday, September 3 at 7 p.m.
Monday, September 8 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, September 13 at 2 p.m.
**Note: This is the same information session repeated on different dates.
Location:
Pete Eagar Fire Station
8111 Resources Road
Grande Prairie, AB
If you require more information on these Firefighter career information sessions, please contact Janine Blackburn, Deputy Fire Chief, at phone number: 780-830-5022.
Media enquiries may be directed to:
Janine Blackburn
Deputy Fire Chief
Grande Prairie Fire Department
Phone: 780-830-5022"
Monday, August 25, 2008
Library Update - August 25th 2008
Just in time for tonight's council meeting, an update from the folks at the Public Library.
"The TD Summer Reading Game has only one week left!
Over 750 logbooks have been distributed and every week children still come to claim prizes from the Laugh out Loud Loot. On Saturday August 23rd we had two parties for children who have completed 15 hours or more of reading. At the parties we played many hilarious games, and thanks to all the donations we received, every child was able to bring home a door prize and a goody bag. Pizzas were donated from Little Caesars, Busters Pizza and Pizza Experts. We had an awesome time!
Partners In Reading
Partners in Reading wrapped up on the 16th with a party to congratulate all participants. Over 100 volunteers and students participated this year. It was a great success! Thanks to all of our wonderful volunteers for their time and dedication to the program.
Fall Fundraiser: Franklin the Turtle Comes to Grande Prairie
Mark your calendar for Franklin’s Family Christmas Concert, an evening of fun in support of the Grande Prairie Public Library
Christmas is here, but Franklin is having trouble finding his Christmas spirit. "Where are all the presents?" he wonders. So Franklin's woodland friends decide to help him out by planning a party! Beaver takes care of entertainment while Bear cooks the food, sampling everything he makes. Fox gathers Christmas decorations for the perfect Christmas tree that Franklin must find all by himself!
Join Franklin and friends as they get into magical adventures with a dancing snowman, a wacky gingerbread cookie, and a trio of playful elves. Celebrate the holiday season with lots of audience participation, singing, dancing and the jolliest Christmas spirit ever!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Douglas J. Cardinal Theatre at the Grande Prairie Regional College
Shows at 4:00 pm & 7:00 pm.
Tickets: $24 (adult) & $18 (child).
Tickets will be on sale at the Crystal Centre box office in September"
"The TD Summer Reading Game has only one week left!
Over 750 logbooks have been distributed and every week children still come to claim prizes from the Laugh out Loud Loot. On Saturday August 23rd we had two parties for children who have completed 15 hours or more of reading. At the parties we played many hilarious games, and thanks to all the donations we received, every child was able to bring home a door prize and a goody bag. Pizzas were donated from Little Caesars, Busters Pizza and Pizza Experts. We had an awesome time!
Partners In Reading
Partners in Reading wrapped up on the 16th with a party to congratulate all participants. Over 100 volunteers and students participated this year. It was a great success! Thanks to all of our wonderful volunteers for their time and dedication to the program.
Fall Fundraiser: Franklin the Turtle Comes to Grande Prairie
Mark your calendar for Franklin’s Family Christmas Concert, an evening of fun in support of the Grande Prairie Public Library
Christmas is here, but Franklin is having trouble finding his Christmas spirit. "Where are all the presents?" he wonders. So Franklin's woodland friends decide to help him out by planning a party! Beaver takes care of entertainment while Bear cooks the food, sampling everything he makes. Fox gathers Christmas decorations for the perfect Christmas tree that Franklin must find all by himself!
Join Franklin and friends as they get into magical adventures with a dancing snowman, a wacky gingerbread cookie, and a trio of playful elves. Celebrate the holiday season with lots of audience participation, singing, dancing and the jolliest Christmas spirit ever!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Douglas J. Cardinal Theatre at the Grande Prairie Regional College
Shows at 4:00 pm & 7:00 pm.
Tickets: $24 (adult) & $18 (child).
Tickets will be on sale at the Crystal Centre box office in September"
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Search Begins For Community Services Director
Well, when we hired Greg as our City Manager we new that it was also creating another opening in the organization that would need to be filled. The search for a new Community Services Director is officially underway. From the City Media Release:
"The City of Grande Prairie has begun recruiting for its vacant Community Services Director position.
Responsible for the Arenas Group, Aquatics and Wellness, Community Development, Family and Community Support Services, Heritage Resources, Parks, and Recreation and Culture, the opportunity was made available when former Director Greg Scerbak became City Manager on July 1.
“This is a key position within our municipality,” says Scerbak. “The Director of Community Services has a broad mandate and is responsible for a large number of employees in the organization. That means we are looking for a dynamic, flexible individual who has a versatile background to guide the service areas that comprise Community Services.”
Close date for the position is Sept. 19.
“Community Services is a rapidly changing, fast-paced area and, as a result, the leader needs to be a visionary while having a sense of humour,” says Scerbak. “In fact, this position has been referred to as the Director of Fun.”
The position calls for a Bachelors Degree in recreation, social sciences, or a related field with a minimum five years of senior administrative experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
“Grande Prairie is a growing, vibrant community and the Director of Community Service will have an important role in responding to the needs of this City in the coming years,” Scerbak says. “It will be an exciting time with new facilities such as Hearthstone Manor, the Montrose Cultural Centre and the Aquatics and Wellness Multiplex all coming on stream over the next two years.”
Full details of the position are available at cityofgp.com/employment
—30—
Media enquiries may be directed to:
City Manager Greg Scerbak
780-538-0312
gscerbak@cityofgp.com"
It is a big, diverse job but the person in the position has an opportunity to make a big impact on the organization and the community. Thankfully, filling this position is the responsibility of the new City Manager!
"The City of Grande Prairie has begun recruiting for its vacant Community Services Director position.
Responsible for the Arenas Group, Aquatics and Wellness, Community Development, Family and Community Support Services, Heritage Resources, Parks, and Recreation and Culture, the opportunity was made available when former Director Greg Scerbak became City Manager on July 1.
“This is a key position within our municipality,” says Scerbak. “The Director of Community Services has a broad mandate and is responsible for a large number of employees in the organization. That means we are looking for a dynamic, flexible individual who has a versatile background to guide the service areas that comprise Community Services.”
Close date for the position is Sept. 19.
“Community Services is a rapidly changing, fast-paced area and, as a result, the leader needs to be a visionary while having a sense of humour,” says Scerbak. “In fact, this position has been referred to as the Director of Fun.”
The position calls for a Bachelors Degree in recreation, social sciences, or a related field with a minimum five years of senior administrative experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
“Grande Prairie is a growing, vibrant community and the Director of Community Service will have an important role in responding to the needs of this City in the coming years,” Scerbak says. “It will be an exciting time with new facilities such as Hearthstone Manor, the Montrose Cultural Centre and the Aquatics and Wellness Multiplex all coming on stream over the next two years.”
Full details of the position are available at cityofgp.com/employment
—30—
Media enquiries may be directed to:
City Manager Greg Scerbak
780-538-0312
gscerbak@cityofgp.com"
It is a big, diverse job but the person in the position has an opportunity to make a big impact on the organization and the community. Thankfully, filling this position is the responsibility of the new City Manager!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Full Schedule for Homecoming Weekend
This weekend is Homecoming Weekend in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Grande Prairie attaining City status. I've mentioned a few of the events before but I finally got my hands a full schedule and I thought I'd pass it along to you. Read through it, plan on attending what you can and when you make it to the bottom of the list I have a little surprise for you...
Homecoming Weekend August 1-4, 2008
Regional Municipalities Reception (hosted by City Council)
When: Friday August 1, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Where: Crystal Centre
Who: Regional Municipal Councils and Senior Administration
Cost: Free
Welcome Reception
When: Friday August 1, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Where: Centre 2000
Who: Open to General Public
Cost: Free
RSVP: by July 25 to (780) 538-0384
For further information contact: Lois Harper (780) 538-0384
Homecoming Golf Tournament
When: Saturday, August 2 starting at 10:30 am
Where: Grande Prairie Golf & Country Club
Entry Fee is $125 per person. Fee includes Lunch, Welcome Gift, 18 Hole Golf, Shared Power Car and Range. Prizes & Presentations Immediately Following play. The first 144 paid entries will be accepted.
For further information and to register contact the Grande Prairie Golf and Country Club at 532-0340
Heritage Tours & Tea
When: Saturday, August 2 starting at 2:00 pm
Where: Grande Prairie Museum in Muskoseepi Park
Who: Open to the General Public
Cost: Free
For further information or to RSVP please contact: 532-5482
Homecoming BBQ & 50’s Dance
When: Saturday August 2, starting at 6:30 pm
Where: Crystal Centre
Cash Bar available
Cost: $30.00/person
Tickets available at the Crystal Centre box office by calling (780) 538-0387 or on-line at www.muniportal.ca and click on Crystal Centre Box Office – Event Ticketing
50 Years Anniversary Breakfast
Where: Grande Prairie Royal Canadian Legion, 9912 – 101 Avenue
When: Sunday, August 3, 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Who: Open to the General Public
Cost: $7.50/person
Tickets available at the door
100 Flags/Heritage Festival
When: Sunday, August 3, 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Where: Muskoseepi Park
Who: Open to the General Public
Cost: Free
For further information contact: Grande Prairie & District Multicultural Association @ 532-8220
Hometown Heroes Parade
When: Sunday, August 3 starting at 1:30 pm
Where: leaving from Harry Balfour School along 102 Street to Muskoseepi Park Amphitheatre
For further information contact: Downtown Association @ 538-1909
Re-Enactment of the Delivery of the City Charter
When: Sunday, August 3 at 2:00 pm
Where: Muskoseepi Park
Anniversary Cake provided by New Horizon Cooperative Ltd.
For further information contact: Lois Harper at 538-0384
Drive-In Movie Theatre
When/Where: August 3 @ Grande Prairie Airport
August 4 @ Centre 2000 (bring a blanket or chairs to this one)
Pre-booking is required.
For further information and to obtain passes contact the Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association at (780) 539-7688
So there you go, your weekend should be all planed out now! Oh, and that little surprise I had for you? This isn't actually being released until Friday - but you can have a sneak peak. ... you're welcome.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Library Update - July 28th 2008
The director of the public library is great a sending me updates to pass on to council every second Monday. I always post them here for two reasons:
1. It's an additional way to get the word out about all the cool things happening at the library
2. It's an easy way to add some great content to this blog with out me having to write much! ; )
Well, it looks like the summer holidays might have had something to do with Laurie's report this week - it looks like she had a little help providing some of her content too!
Hi Bill,
I asked the summer students who are running programs to provide an update on how it's going. There's a lot of reading going on in Grande Prairie this summer!
Heather Field, Partners in Reading Coordinator writes:
Partners in Reading is currently in its fifth week. We have 55 dedicated volunteers and 57 students participating in the program. So far PIR has been running smoothly, partners are getting to know each other, doing a lot of reading, and playing literacy games together. There are three weeks of reading left and we will conclude with a party to thank the volunteers and commend the children’s efforts.
Sherrie Bouchard, summer Reading Program Coordinator writes:
The TD Summer Reading Game is half way through and most students have already received several prizes from our laugh out loud loot! Over 650 kids have registered, close to 20 children have taken advantage of our "write your own story" option for bonus prizes and over a dozen children have been invited to the LOL party! Most impressive of all, a handful of quick kids have already read 24 hours or more and have entered in one of the Grand Prize draws!
Children are reading steadily and are diligently recording their minutes. This year has been another successful summer and the children keep coming back for more!
LOL programs, including the program for 8 to 12 year olds, 6 and 7 year olds and the French program, are extremely well attended! Week after week, familiar faces as well as new ones, are welcomed into the story room for funny games, crafts, stories and other activities.
The new teen "I like the book better club" is increasingly popular. We have already managed to read books and view the films of many contrasting genres. Most teens that have come once, almost always come back again, confirming that the program is running its purpose and may become an ongoing program here at the Grande Prairie Public Library.
The Teen Reading Challenge continues to be well utilized, as teens have entered in weekly draws both online and in the library.
Anna Scott, Adult Programming Assistant, writes:
The Adult Summer Reading Program is going well - 180 Reading Logs have been picked up!
So, all ages are reading up a storm this summer.
All the best with the 50th Anniversary festivities. You'll need a holiday when it's all over.
Laurie
Laurie Harrison
Library Director
Grande Prairie Public Library
Thanks for the update Laurie (and friends!). Speaking of the 50th Anniversary Homecoming Weekend, I'll have an update for you tomorrow that covers all the activities that are planned for the weekend... and there are lots!
1. It's an additional way to get the word out about all the cool things happening at the library
2. It's an easy way to add some great content to this blog with out me having to write much! ; )
Well, it looks like the summer holidays might have had something to do with Laurie's report this week - it looks like she had a little help providing some of her content too!
Hi Bill,
I asked the summer students who are running programs to provide an update on how it's going. There's a lot of reading going on in Grande Prairie this summer!
Heather Field, Partners in Reading Coordinator writes:
Partners in Reading is currently in its fifth week. We have 55 dedicated volunteers and 57 students participating in the program. So far PIR has been running smoothly, partners are getting to know each other, doing a lot of reading, and playing literacy games together. There are three weeks of reading left and we will conclude with a party to thank the volunteers and commend the children’s efforts.
Sherrie Bouchard, summer Reading Program Coordinator writes:
The TD Summer Reading Game is half way through and most students have already received several prizes from our laugh out loud loot! Over 650 kids have registered, close to 20 children have taken advantage of our "write your own story" option for bonus prizes and over a dozen children have been invited to the LOL party! Most impressive of all, a handful of quick kids have already read 24 hours or more and have entered in one of the Grand Prize draws!
Children are reading steadily and are diligently recording their minutes. This year has been another successful summer and the children keep coming back for more!
LOL programs, including the program for 8 to 12 year olds, 6 and 7 year olds and the French program, are extremely well attended! Week after week, familiar faces as well as new ones, are welcomed into the story room for funny games, crafts, stories and other activities.
The new teen "I like the book better club" is increasingly popular. We have already managed to read books and view the films of many contrasting genres. Most teens that have come once, almost always come back again, confirming that the program is running its purpose and may become an ongoing program here at the Grande Prairie Public Library.
The Teen Reading Challenge continues to be well utilized, as teens have entered in weekly draws both online and in the library.
Anna Scott, Adult Programming Assistant, writes:
The Adult Summer Reading Program is going well - 180 Reading Logs have been picked up!
So, all ages are reading up a storm this summer.
All the best with the 50th Anniversary festivities. You'll need a holiday when it's all over.
Laurie
Laurie Harrison
Library Director
Grande Prairie Public Library
Thanks for the update Laurie (and friends!). Speaking of the 50th Anniversary Homecoming Weekend, I'll have an update for you tomorrow that covers all the activities that are planned for the weekend... and there are lots!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Great Site: Discover The Peace Country
Every now and then I pop in to Google to see if there are any new local blogs providing information on Grande Prairie. There haven't been too many lately but there is one great site that I've neglected to mention.
Although not exactly a blog (ok, not a blog at all really) DiscoverThePeaceCountry.com is a great site that has tons of information on the whole Peace Region. My friend Ken has been running the site for at least eight years. In addition to on going updates on GP's business news he's also travelled the area and provides great information on many parks and recreation areas.
Ken has a media background so the information is detailed and he has some great photo galleries. Most recently he's put up galleries covering Street Performer's and the Canada Day Parade. (see if you can spot me on my bike in the Canada Day gallery).
So, pop on over to Discover The Peace Country - it's a great resource and I've added it to the Worthwhile Sites section on the right hand side of this page.
Although not exactly a blog (ok, not a blog at all really) DiscoverThePeaceCountry.com is a great site that has tons of information on the whole Peace Region. My friend Ken has been running the site for at least eight years. In addition to on going updates on GP's business news he's also travelled the area and provides great information on many parks and recreation areas.
Ken has a media background so the information is detailed and he has some great photo galleries. Most recently he's put up galleries covering Street Performer's and the Canada Day Parade. (see if you can spot me on my bike in the Canada Day gallery).
So, pop on over to Discover The Peace Country - it's a great resource and I've added it to the Worthwhile Sites section on the right hand side of this page.
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