|
Another
year has come and gone. Where did it
go? Did you accomplish everything that
you planned over the last year? If
you're like me, some goals were met and others not. Everyone's story is varied but one thing we
all have in common is the pace. Life is
busy! I would like to tell you about a
group of individuals and families that did very important work in our
community. All very busy people, people
with careers, spouses and partners, school, sports, kids, and social calendars who
found a way to volunteer their time to make our community a better place.
Our
community league executive and directors are a dedicated group, looking after
operations, sporting activities, programs, and social events. They are Lynn Gregory (Vice President and
Hardisty Soccer), Marilyn Clark (Treasurer), Shelley Svidal (Secretary and
Hardisty Soccer), Allel Kheroufi (Hall Manager), Tanya Tervonen (Social),
Shawna Forgrave (Memberships), John Washington (Grants), Brenda Gheran
(Southeast Voice Editor), Jeff Riddle (Casino), Jeff Resler (Neighborhood
Watch), John Crabb (Tennis), Bill Burtnik (president and web site), Gregg
Meropoulis (Past President), Heather Campbell (Programs), and Paula Horn
(Special Events). We also receive key
help from Butch Balch and Blake Mawhinney to manage the rink throughout the
year. These are the people who have
stepped up and made a commitment to take on responsibilities. Without their passion, leadership and
dedication, Capilano could not offer the level of services that the rest of the
community has come to expect. Many of
the executive have been in their roles for five, ten, and even more years. Have you considered asking someone what their
position entails or what it takes to organize an event? I think you would find that many of the
positions require just a few short hours.
A small investment is all that it takes to make a difference. You will learn valuable skills that can be
beneficial to your personal life and career.
Our league meetings are held the 3rd Wednesday of the month,
September to June at 7:30 pm. Can our
community league do more? Yes, but we
need your help.
We
would also like to recognize Melanie Junck, our Community Recreation
Coordinator from the City of Edmonton.
The City CRC helps out in many ways; liaising with various
organizations, program facilitation, and guiding the league through operational
issues. Melanie has recently been re-assigned,
with Terri Johnson stepping in to take over.
A
truly dark day for the community came on April 13 when the Edmonton Public
School Board trustees voted to proceed with the closure of Capilano
School. School closure has been a threat
for many years, and now the reality is here.
Words cannot describe the disappointment of this decision; the impact is
both immediate and long term.
Personally, I am sad for families that will miss out on the fantastic
experience of the small, community school.
Yes, it is about the education and the children first, but at the same
time the school was a connection for those involved. I know that I am richer for the time we
attended Capilano School, and the friends we made. Grieving is expected; but people are
resilient and I am confident they will move on to embrace the new school model.
There are certainly unknowns; one thing
for sure is Capilano will not be the same.
The
community league financial situation is very good, with operational cash flow from
hall revenue, supplemented by gaming funds.
Our investment portfolio is earmarked for facility maintenance and enhancements,
and possibly a new playground. There are
facility projects about to get underway in the coming months. We plan to complete a restoration of the
deck, window improvements in both buildings, as well as painting the main
hall. The latter project will have an
impact on hall availability, as the work will take two weeks to finish. There is no good time to have the hall closed
for this length of time; however the building is in need of paint. The Facilities Committee is always in need of
help; there is lots of work to go around.
Watch our web site www.capilano.info
for news and meetings.
The
Capilano community will be undergoing infrastructure improvements over the next
couple of years. Similar activity was
completed in Gold Bar and is in progress in Fulton Place communities. Residents will be invited to a town hall
forum to preview the work and understand the local impact, both functional and
financial. They will present options for
a 50/50 cost split of sidewalk enhancements and also decorative street
lights. The city presented a summary of
the project at our community executive meeting in April. Look for further information in the coming
months.
I
would like to extend my thanks to the executive for their continued dedication
and contributions. There will be
position vacancies, opening up opportunities for others. The many volunteers that contribute to
committees, events, programs, financial audits, sports activities, facilities,
membership drive, and other aspects of the community league deserve recognition;
however I am reluctant to list names for fear of omitting anyone. All of these volunteers are invited to our
appreciation night as the leagues way to say thanks. Please know that your effort and commitment
is appreciated. I look forward to seeing
you all on this night. Thanks to Tanya
and her committee for organizing the night.
A special round of thanks goes to Paula and the special events
group. Many of the members have served
on the executive in the past, and continue to be active; truly embracing the
community spirit.
In
closing, I encourage all Capilano residents to buy memberships and to get
involved in local affairs, of which the community league movement plays a large
role. The league values the services we offer
and the relationships that are developed.
A strong core and voice from members is needed to ensure we continue to
be a thriving, relevant organization. Your
community is what you make of it.
Respectfully
submitted
Bill
Burtnik |
