Thanks to Lynn Gregory (Vice President and Hardisty Soccer), Shawna Dowson (Hardisty Soccer), Marilyn Clark (Treasurer), Shelley Svidal (Secretary), Allel Kheroufi (Hall Manager), Tanya Tervonen (Social), Shawna Forgrave (Memberships), John Washington (Grants), Brenda Gherin (Southeast Voice Editor), Jeff Riddle and Jackie Werstiuk (Casino), Jeff Resler (Neighborhood Watch), Penny Sauers (Bingo), Gigi Needham (Tennis), Bill Burtnik (web site), Gregg Meropoulis (Past President), and Heather Somerville (Programs).  Heather is our newest executive member, having recently stepped forward to assume the Program Coordinator role.  Special thanks to Melanie Junck, our Community Recreation Coordinator from the City of Edmonton.

The facilities committee has been active over the past year.  We implemented an increase in hall rental rates and instated mandatory third party liability insurance for renters.  The insurance is recommended by the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues.   The committee is made up of a core of volunteers: Jeff Riddle, Blake Mawhinney, John Kelly, Don Lopatka, Todd Wyman, and Mike Frost; with additional participation from the executive and members at large.  Everyone is welcome to come out and contribute. There are plenty of projects to get involved with. Watch our web site www.capilano.info for news and meeting nights.

The Capilano Community League celebrated its 50 year anniversary in September 2008.  Paula Horn and the Special Events committee organized a fantastic day including a kids party in the daytime and a social for the adults in the evening.  Both events were well attended and superbly organized.  Thanks to Deb and Alf Rayment, Lori Balch, Jeff Wilson, Lynn Gregory, Tammy Tchir, and Paula for putting on the event and giving us all a reason to come out and enjoy each others company.

The financial picture for the league is very bright.  Our recent casino fundraiser will be in our accounts shortly.  Thanks to all of the volunteers who helped, including Donald Patterson (casino adviser).  We also secured a grant from Alberta Lotteries for 50% of the 2007 clubhouse renovation.  The investment account is also healthy thanks to the proceeds from the sale of the Allendale Bingo hall.  This money will be used for further facility enhancements and possibly a new playground.

Schools remain a contentious issue for the Greater Hardisty Area (Capilano, Fulton Place, Gold Bar, Hardisty).  Edmonton Public Schools presented their plans for the area to the parents and families of the schools and the community.  They have made it clear that status quo is not an option.  There will be school consolidation.  The next phase is a consultation process that will ask for input from all stakeholders on the optimal school configurations and future use of the facilities.  Outcome of the process is data to EPSB planning that will be used to provide recommendations to the Board of Trustees.  Watch out for notification of the consultations in the fall of this year.  Get involved and provide your input!  This process and decisions affects all of us in the community.

The Capilano ice rink, combined with our renovated clubhouse provides the community with a tremendous asset.  Dan Forgrave was the ice maker for the past two years, and has since moved on to other opportunities.  Hopefully we can find someone who will carry on the excellent service we have come to expect.  Butch Balch was responsible for ice allocation and coordinated the rink supervisors.  Our operations model has been very successful.  We hired teens to open the rink and supervise during public hours.  They demonstrated maturity, responsibility and pride in ownership of the facility.  Also thanks to the many volunteers that helped out during the season.   Well done all!

An extra round of thanks are in order for a small group of people who I continue to lean on when issues arise and help is needed, often on short notice.  Blake Mawhinney, among many things decorated the trees on the property with Christmas lights; Don Pukalo for electrical troubleshooting; Frank Clausing for help with building access when keys are lost or locks are damaged; Jeff Riddle for his many great ideas and willingness to see them through.  Last but not least: Carla Thorvaldson, for her support and numerous unseen contributions.

In closing, I would like to again thank all of you who help to make the Capilano community a great place to live.  The league continues to offer important services through your efforts.  More importantly the league provides the vehicle to connect with our neighbors.  I encourage all residents to purchase memberships and take an active part in your community.  I am proud to be a part of a successful organization

Respectfully submitted

Bill Burtnik