Back by Popular Demand! Learn to Skate Classes
WHMCA is bringing back instructors from Alien In-Line Skating to teach three one-hour ice skating.
Classes on our outdoor rink on:
• Saturday, January 10 at 10:00 am
• Saturday, January 24 at 10:00 am
• Saturday, January 31 at 10:00 am
You can register for one, two, or all three classes. Students do not need to attend the one(s) before.
Students must be no younger than five years. Adult students are welcome. Students must wear a helmet and bring their own skates.
Class size is capped at ten for each instructor (30 for full program). Advance registration is required through our Communal software system. A waiver will be provided by Alien In-line Skating which must be signed prior to start of class.
Instructors will assess students at the start of each class before separating the group into three levels:
• Beginner – Students will gain confidence on their skates; learn to fall and get up safely; work on balance, walking, and stopping on their skates.
• Intermediate – Students will learn basic knowledge of gliding and stopping; will gain the confidence to fall and stand up completely without support.
• Advanced – Students will gain confidence with pushing, gliding and stopping; develop their crossovers and edges.
The North Hall (annex building next to the rink) will be open for changing, getting warm, and washrooms. We’ll have the coffee pot on and serve hot chocolate and cookies after the lesson.
Each class costs $20. However, WHMCA members receive a 20% discount, with the discount automatically deducted by our Get Communal registration system. Payment is accepted online by VISA or Mastercard. For anyone wishing to become a member or renew a past membership, please go to our website at www.winstonheights.ca.
Registration is open. Go to winstonheights.getcommunal.com/parent_programs/2587.
Questions? Contact Suzanne at 403-276-5474 or [email protected].
New Program! Kids’ Aikido Classes with Calgary Rakushinkan
Kids’ Aikido Classes – Mondays, 5:00 to 6:15 pm
Teen/adult classes follow immediately afterward
Calgary Rakushinkan will bring a dedicated kids’ Aikido program to Winston Heights Mountview Community Centre, starting January 4. This training helps children develop strong, flexible bodies and clear, steady minds — cultivating balance, posture, awareness and calm under pressure.
Here is a description of the experience, as written by Josh MacDonald, Calgary Rakushinkan:
“In each class we focus on three core areas:
• Safe Foundation: Kids learn how to fall correctly (ukemi), move with stability, and understand how their body moves.
• Partner and Weapons Training: We practice age-appropriate partner exercises—throws, joint control, body alignment—as well as introductory sword (ken) and staff (jo) work to deepen coordination and focus.
• Mindful Martial Environment: This isn’t about competition or “play-martial-arts”. It’s real training in a friendly setting — casual enough for kids to enjoy, serious enough to instill genuine skill, awareness, discipline, and respect.
What sets Calgary Rakushinkan apart is our unique grounding in classical Japanese martial traditions. While many kids’ programs stay strictly modern, sporty, or performance-focused, our curriculum is informed by both modern Aikido and the older jūjutsu and sword arts. Children receive exposure to tradition, real technique, and martial mindset—not just games or belts.
In our classes:
• The instructor engages each student directly to help them feel “I can do this”.
• We avoid unsafe shortcuts — each progression is measured and age-appropriate.
• We teach respect for others, for self, and for the training space — reflecting the values of budo.
If you’re looking for a meaningful martial arts experience for your child — one that builds confidence, coordination, discipline, and presence — Calgary Rakushinkan’s kids Aikido class is a perfect fit. Let your child explore the depth of Japanese martial tradition in a safe, fun, and supportive community setting.
Kids’ Aikido Classes will be held Mondays from 5:00 to 6:15 pm. Teen/adult classes follow immediately afterward. Included are Wednesday classes at the Mount Pleasant Community Association (602 22 Ave NW).
For more information or to register visit https://calgaryrakushinkan.com/rakushinkan-kids.
Notice North Hall Open for Skaters
The North Hall (annex building next to the rink) will be open to skaters from noon to 4:00 pm most Saturdays and Sundays, January 3 to February 28 (closed January 17 and February 15).
Skaters can change, use the washrooms, and get a drink of water. Young skaters do not need to remove their skates inside. However, adult skaters are asked to use skate guards to protect the carpet.
Engaging Vulnerable Persons in Winston Heights-Mountview
As homelessness and/or encampments proliferate in Winston Heights-Mountview (mostly in the off-leash park beside the golf course, on the bike path alongside Nose Creek, in Munro Park, and in the treed areas along 6 Street NW and 30 Ave NE, 45 curious residents gathered October 28 at the community centre to learn more about this issue.
Shaundra Bruvall of Alpha House gave an eye-opening presentation about the causes behind the approximately 3,500 Calgarians who are homeless. She told us what to know, how to behave,
and what to say when encountering encampments or vulnerable people. At least two people in the audience are currently living on the streets (and one was for many weeks in a tent alongside Moncton Road) and they both shared their stories.
If you couldn’t attend the event but want to know more about how we can tackle this growing community issue, call or text me, Blair Cosgrove, at 403-889-4293 and I’ll add you to the WhatsApp group that has been created to help local residents talk to each other. If we work together, we can create a coordinated response that produces good outcomes for everyone (housed and unhoused) in Winston Heights-Mountview.
Picking Up the Pieces, The Songs of Gordon Lightfoot
The October 26 concert was a fantastic afternoon for 100+ Gordon Lightfoot fans, with the musicians of Edmonton’s Second Sunset Productions receiving two standing ovations. We collectively agreed that they were absolutely spot on in their reimagining of the early Gordon Lightfoot Trio.
We were treated to our favourite songs as well as surprised with a few lesser-known tunes. I must admit the beef dip before the show was pretty good, as was the chocolate cake at intermission.
We received a number of compliments from new attendees for presenting a Sunday afternoon concert series where we share food and conversation in addition to experiencing some wonderful music.
I really felt we took another step in building community. I look forward to announcing the artists for our next concert on February 15 very soon. You can reach me (Suzanne) at [email protected].
Snow Shovellers Needed!
Each winter, we pride ourselves on keeping our sidewalks and pathways around our buildings and through the Community Garden clear of snow and ice. Some mornings, that work can be too much for either of our custodians, who also must clean and re-set our halls within just a few hours. Sometimes, they need help.
We use both snow blowers and shovels – whichever is best for the job. This work does not include clearing the parking lot or laneway – that is cleared by a snowplow contractor.
If you are interested in some occasional hours of work, usually being texted between 6:00 and 8:00 am, please let us know. We will pay $20 per hour in cash. You could be working on your own or alongside a custodian or another volunteer. There is no guarantee of hours and sometimes it could snow but the custodians don’t need help.
If this interests you, please contact Suzanne, Facility Manager, at 403-276-5474 or at [email protected].
Programs And Events
Amala Hangout*
Friday, December 19
5:00 to 10:00 pm
Up for a culinary adventure? Each month, Forks ‘n Fingers Catering cooks up a feast which is sold as takeout as well as enjoyed as a sit-down meal/social evening in our East Hall with music and a cash bar. For more information or to reserve a seat call 403-404-7614. Everyone is welcome! For more information, visit our Instagram.
Playgroup
January 5 to May 11
Mondays from 9:30 to 11:00 am (not held on statutory holidays or Christmas break)
A relaxed, engaging time for kids age 0 to 5 to play with toys and with each other, as well as for parents and caregivers to be able to visit with each other. Coffee and tea. Occasional light snacks, crafts and activities provided for the children. For more information, contact Sharayah at 403-968-8001 or she and her co-host Arden at [email protected].
Elder Book Club
First Friday of each month from 9:30 to 11:00 am
North Hall (annex building)
A monthly book club for older adults and seniors. Coffee and snacks. Free. For more information, contact Neil through the office at 403-276-5474.
Letsgetscrappin’*
Saturday, January 10
A full day of scrapbooking. For more information and to register, contact Stephanie at [email protected].
Fancy Double “C” Cloggers*
Wednesday evening classes for Beginners, Easy to Easy Intermediates, * Int. to Low Advanced
January 14 to March 25 (11 weeks) and April 18 to June 17 (11 weeks)
Clogging is a rhythmic percussive dance done to pop, country, or traditional fiddle music. No partner is necessary for this fun and social activity. Only comfortable clothes and shoes are required for this mild workout. For more information and to register, contact Janet at [email protected]. www.squaredancecalgary.com.
Amala Hangout*
Friday, January 16
5:00 to 10:00 pm
Up for a culinary adventure? Each month, Forks ‘n Fingers Catering cooks up a feast which is sold as takeout as well as enjoyed as a sit-down meal/social evening in our East Hall with music and cash bar. For more information or to reserve a seat call 403-404-7614. Everyone is welcome! For more information, visit our Instagram.
Foundational Pilates*
Wednesdays at 10:00 am
Pilates is exercise that strengthens your core and improves posture, flexibility, and body awareness. It focuses on strengthening deep core muscles in your abdominals, hips, and back to improve stability and control. Pilates promotes attention to alignment, balanced muscle development, mindful movement, and breath support. It can be customized for all ages and fitness levels. If you are interested in learning more contact the instructor, Andrea, at 403-836-3892 or [email protected]. $30 per class. Andrea offers a free trial class and a 15% discount for WHMCA members.
Cue Steps Round Dance*
January 18 to April 19
At a glance, round dancing looks like social or ballroom dancing, since the rhythms and movements are the same. However, round dancers have the advantage of pre-choreographed and cued dances which use defined (and practiced) figures and steps. A variety of classes are offered from Beginner to Phase IV. www.rounddancecalgary.com.
Embers, Sparks, and Girl Guides*
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursday evenings during the school year (with Christmas break)
The Girl Guide organization believes in the power of fun and hands-on activities that inspire girls to grow, lead and connect. Their programs are designed for girls ages 5 to 17 and cover everything from outdoor adventures and STEM projects to arts and leadership training. Whether your child loves the outdoors, enjoys creative projects, or wants to build new skills, their programs offer something for everyone. For more information and to register, go to www.girlguides.ca.
Yoga Classes – Prevail Yoga*
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00 to 8:00 pm
North Hall (annex building)
Four to six-week sessions run from September to June. Pre-registration required. WHMCA members receive a 15% discount. For more information and to register, contact Karl at [email protected] or 403-681-9142.
Calgary Community Day Services (CCDS)*
Monday to Friday
8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Year-round
A unique day service dedicated to seniors and mature adults with developmental disabilities. It emphasises community presence while caring for the unique needs of seniors. It focuses on recreation and leisure with an objective of an enhanced quality of life. [email protected].
Kids’ Aikido Classes – Calgary Rakushinkan*
Mondays, Kids: 5:00 to 6:15 pm, Teens/Adults: 6:15 to 7:30 pm
Sundays, Teens/Adults: 10:00 am start
Aikido helps children, teens and adults develop strong, flexible bodies and clear, stead minds – cultivating balance, posture, awareness, and calm under pressure.
