“Oh yeah, I haven’t thought of that before: with all the new condos coming in, we’re going to be the ol’ timers. I’m not even 30 yet, it’s strange to think that I’ve been hanging around Kensington for a few years and I’m part of the old school.”
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“The Salvation Army Agapé Hospice is nestled into a peaceful garden setting on 8th Street NW in the Kensington area of Calgary, Alberta. In 1987 a study was commissioned which resulted in a group of visionaries pioneering the development of a more holistic form of end-of-life care. In 1992, with the transition of The Salvation Army’s Sunset Lodge for Seniors, Agapé Hospice was established with three beds and the distinction of being the first free-standing hospice facility of its kind. Today Agapé has grown to include 20 beds in two wings and has provided compassionate end-of-life care for over 5100 residents and their loved ones.
Agapé provides a serene, loving and home-like environment for individuals to live out their final days with respect, peace and dignity. Beautiful gardens with a gazebo and comfortable sitting areas offer a place of peace for Agapé residents, families and friends. The gardens, tended by volunteer staff gardeners, are a much-enjoyed extension of Agapé’s caring environment and desire to maximize the resident’s quality of life. Inquiries are always welcome: (403) 282-6588. www.agapehospice.ca”
“Our team is from Edmonton. This is a Calgary/Edmonton match. I’m the coach, he’s the team manager. It’s a beautiful day. Weather is perfect, sun, everything around is nice. Do you know the sport? It’s Cricket.” Lalit (left).
Riley Park is home to one of the of the oldest Cricket pitches in Canada, having been donated by the Riley family in 1908. Back then, Cricket was our national sport.
Burger 320 in Kensington sets the definition of local: in-house made buns, Albertan beef, Mario used to run the Burger Inn down off Fourth Street SW, he’s born and raised in Calgary… the list just goes on. There’s no doubt– these cats make a solid burger.
“My dad’s grandparents came from Italy back in 1906 to Rochester, New York. In 1909, his great-grandmother made the trip from Italy at the age of 75. Can you imagine? Four months at sea at the age of 75. They worked their way across Canada working on the Railway and decided to stay in Calgary.
They opened up a corner store on the corner of 10a street and bought the little brick bungalow next door back in 1916 (but back then it was 11th street-they didn’t have the A streets at the time). Later on it became a shoe store, and Nancy Wilson had a dancing school there too. There was a little garden between the two buildings. Now it’s the starbucks and the Kensington Pub. I remember being in the K-Pub back when it was still a family house. I was three or four years old, but I still remember the basement.
My dad saw the film ‘Singing In The Rain’ when it first opened at the Plaza Theatre and told his parents that he wanted to be a dancer. The arts have always been in my family so they encouraged him on his dream. My dad is Allan Jerry Cozzubbo. He opened the Allan Cozzubbo Academy of Dance and ran it from 1967 to 1997. He helped choreograph the ’88 Winter Olympics opening ceremonies and had people like Sean Cheesman (he judged and worked on So You Think You Can Dance in the USA, Canada, and the UK – he’s from Calgary) come through his school. I work at the Jubilee for the International Association of Theatre and Stage Employees Local 212. I also DJ. It’s like the arts are in my genes.
My connection to this neighborhood goes back five generations. I lived here back in the 90’s, but I can’t afford to live down here any more. Still, I’ve been coming to the Roasterie since the late 80’s and even though I don’t live here anymore, I still work up at the Jubilee and I’m always at the Roasterie. This used to be a real gathering place for all the counter culture in the City. To grow up and learn from all the regulars here in Kensington – it’s really something. I grew up playing in the grass at Riley Park and now my kids are playing there.” –Jason Cozzubbo.
This is it! The last ten days of #Sunnyside365. I’ve got a lot to be thankful for, and a lot of people to appreciate. This truly is a magical, unique little community in the heart of an incredible city. I feel so fortunate to live in this wonderful little neighbourhood.
“The new concept for the space is a Texas Whiskey and Smokehouse. We’re open now, but our grand opening is tomorrow. It’s going to be crazy here.
The owners went down to Texas for a big trip and checked out the best BBQ, smoke meat, whiskey places they could find. They came back and put it all towards the concept for the Hayden Block. The owner used to own Molly’s way back a few years ago. He’s owned a couple of restaurants around the city but he’s put a focus into Hayden Block.
We put a lot of effort into the old Yardhouse that used to be here. It’s a brand new space, really good energy. Also, it’s totally haunted.
That Texas Longhorn skull you see behind the bar? Yeah our chef actually ate the meat that came from it.”
It’s hard not to think of Kensington and Crave Cupcakes at the same time. These folks have been at it for over twelve years, making amazing desserts and growing their business steadily. You can always see a glint of envy in people who see somebody carrying one of the famous containers of gorgeous cupcakes.
“I lived in this house right after I graduated from ACAD. I have no idea who painted the house… it was painted after left. I guess they kicked everyone out because the house was going to get knocked down, but that was years ago. I’m surprised that it’s still here and the art is still up.
I was in and out in less than a year. That was 2008. It feels so long ago, but also just like it was yesterday.
So much to say about the neighbourhood, where do I start….
I’m such an introvert but when I lived in this house I was such an extrovert. We were always in Riley Park, going to bars, seeing friends, getting together. I live in Sunalta now, but I love the art store here, the shops and going for tea.”
Chika Ando, ChikaAndoIllustration.com
Down to the last two weeks of #Sunnyside365! One of my favourite places to hang out with my friends is Frogurt on Kensington Road. I can get exactly what I want, how I want!