Capilano Community League

Presidents Report

2006-07

It's been another outstanding year of volunteering in the Capilano Community League.   As you will see below, there are many people involved in the success of the league.  Each of them gives of themselves to provide services and benefits to you.  Our volunteers care and include community as part of their value system.  Take the time to thank them personally the next time you see them in your travels.   It does make a difference to know that our efforts are appreciated.

The facilities in Capilano are fantastic and we have even better people looking after them.  Our hall is a showpiece with a one of kind view of the Edmonton river valley.   We have Cathie Morton to thank for the standard of operation she brought while our hall manager.  Allel Kheroufi stepped into the position earlier this year, and all indications are that he will continue the excellent example set by Cathie.  The Capilano tennis club is very active with many thanks to Gigi Needham for her efforts.  The ice rink is one of the best outdoor arenas in the city.  Randy Murchison has been responsible for providing us with the high quality of ice and hiring the rink supervisors.  Butch Balch looked after the rink bookings.  We had help from Blake Mawhinney and Mike Frost to lend a hand when required.  Don Pukalo installed new light bulbs.  Todd Johnson lent his expert consulting services on the rink roof replacement project last summer. Thanks to everyone who looks after our facilities!    

Our finances have been in the very capable hands of Lynn Frost for the past years.  During the last several months, the treasurer duties have been transitioned from Lynn to Marilyn Clark.  We thank Lynn for her efforts and look forward to working with Marilyn as she settles into the position.  Carolyn Graham has provided backup to Lynn and also auditing services.

Lynn Gregory is now among the longest standing executive members.  She continues  to contribute as league vice-president and is also a Hardisty soccer director.  This can be a thankless job and difficult to please everyone, however Lynn has always looked out for the best interests of the program and our athletes.  This year, Shawna Dowson joined as a director to help with the summer soccer season.  Thanks Lynn and Shawna! 

Community League memberships are one of our main sources of operating revenue.  Your membership qualifies you for free swimming at local pools (Hardisty, Bonnie Doon, Mill Creek), reduced hall rental rates, and access to many other services (ice rink, soccer, hockey, tennis, programs).  We are fortunate to have Shawna Forgrave and Annamarie Ferris, who coordinate the over 30 volunteer canvassers required to cover the Capilano area.  This past year we also sold memberships at the rink.  Please support our community league by purchasing a membership.

Communication is a key component of the services provided by the league.  Our web site www.capilano.info is the source for all community information.  Wendy Wilton has been the league secretary and Darlene Lopatka the Southeast Voice editor.   They help get the word out regarding events and activities.  We have important shoes to fill as both of these volunteers will be stepping down from their positions.  John Washington is another valuable member of the league executive, completing grant proposals, applications for funding, and regulatory compliance.  Through his efforts the league secured funding for the hall renovation (2005) and tennis court resurfacing (2006).

The league offers many programs for all ages through the high energy efforts of Jackie Martin.  Jackie joined the executive 2 years ago and has made her mark.  Rodger Davidson, a Capilano resident, from the City of Edmonton helps in many unsung ways.  His job is to assist the community leagues and he goes the extra mile.  Gregg Meropoulis, past-president continues to be active in league affairs.

The social scene in Capilano always has something shaking.  We have several annual events that are among the most anticipated dates on the calendar.  The committee, led by Tanya Tervonen and Paige Tervonen, have set the bar very high but always seem to be able to improve from year to year.  Paige has decided to step aside.  She leaves her legacy as a founder of the winter Snowflake Shaker.

Bingo has provided league revenue for many years and continues to be a method for smaller, local teams and clubs to earn cash for their organization.  Casino is now the main sources of gaming revenue, used for capital projects and other miscellaneous costs and services.  Thanks to Penny Sauers for her work as Capilano bingo chair.  Jeff Riddle is currently leading the coordination of our casino in May.  Jeff is a long time league contributor, helping in many different areas.

The Southeast Community League Association (SECLA) has increased its presence in the area by offering a diverse schedule of programs.  Did anyone notice the Southeast Voice is now delivered by Canada Post?  This is another initiative sponsored by SECLA and funded by casino volunteers.

There will be several vacant positions on the league executive.  If you have been thinking about volunteering, this is your opportunity to seize the moment.  The results are tangible.  Most volunteers are motivated by a desire to make a difference and there is no better way than at the community level.  Our organization is committed to the services we provide for our family, friends, and neighbours.  And we have fun too! 

Respectfully submitted,

Bill Burtnik

Capilano Community League President