Capilano Community League
Annual Report 2011-12
This is the annual report for the Capilano Community League 2011-12; a time to celebrate the things that make our community a great place to live. At the top of the list are the many volunteers to recognize and thank for their contributions. Excellence in Community League operations is realized by having many people working together to fill the roles required; the sum is more than the parts. Among us are true leaders; people who see the value in volunteering and who have the will to carry it through.
I would like to thank Ivanna Lewington (Treasurer), Shelley Svidal (Secretary, Soccer), Heather Sommerville (Social), Shawna Forgrave (Memberships), Michelle Ware (Webmaster), Shauna Dowson (St. Gabriel School, Hardisty Gymnastics), Lara McClelland (Suzuki School) John Crabb and Bernice Townsend (Capilano Tennis Club), Jeff Riddle (Casino), Jeff Resler (Crime Watch), John Washington (Grants), Gregg Meropolis (Past-president), Rosemarie Siever (Capilano Playschool), Lana Brenneis (Babysitting Registry), and Jill Schlender (Southeast Voice). Another round of thanks to Paula Horn (special events) and committee for their ongoing involvement.
Leading the best stories of the year is the Capilano Community Park Redevelopment project led by Jill Schlender. The current park was built in 1984 and upgraded in 1995. Most playground structures have a lifespan of 15 years; we are near the end of the line and renewal is needed. The intention of the project is to provide a safe, up to date park and to make Capilano the park of choice for residents of all ages. Jill has worked diligently to build a core committee that is engaged in the process of park development. The work has only begun and additional volunteers are needed. Watch the SEV and our website www.capilano.info for ways to get involved. The projected timeline for completion is 2014.
Capilano receives excellent support from our City of Edmonton representative, Melanie Junck. Melanie helps us with programs, updates and communication, grant support, and navigation of city processes. Thanks Melanie!
The most visible services we offer are facilities, including the hall, tennis clubhouse, and rink. Each of these takes a lot of work to manage and maintain. Allel Keroufi is our hall manager who devotes many hours to ensure we have a quality venue for operating revenue and access for community events. The clubhouse is operated in the summer by the Tennis Club, and in the winter by our rink committee. Butch Balch and Blake Mawhinney continue to coordinate the schedules and rink access for all seasons. Other members that helped out this past year include John Kelly, Don Pukalo, Alf Rayment, Jeff Eisenkrein, Kevin Werstiuk, and Mike Frost. Thanks again for your time and input.
The buildings require ongoing maintenance; part of the community league stewardship is to ensure their viability. Each year, projects are identified and budget is secured. This past year John Halko led projects that included a new roof and eaves for the hall. This is a great example of levering professional expertise to support the community league.
Our community has long been a safe quiet neighborhood, with a relatively low crime rate. However there has been a recent spike in incidents. This is a concern, and we hope the trend does not continue. At our AGM in May, we will host a crime prevention Q+A with Edmonton Police Service.
The community league is slowly undergoing a change in guard. This past year saw two long serving members step aside to make way for others. Thanks to Tanya Tervonen (Social committee) and Lynn Gregory (Vice-president, Soccer). You have made a big difference to others in your community; we look forward to seeing you at events enjoying the work of others. An outstanding core group of veterans remains in addition to new faces, but we need more help. Several positions are vacant or in caretaker mode with minimum activity. There is so much more that can be done to make Capilano a great place to live. Please take a serious look at what you can do! We meet the third Wednesday of each month 7:30 pm (Sept – June). All members are welcome. Drop by and listen to what is going on; you would be amazed at how a small amount of time can make such a big difference.
Respectfully submitted,
Bill Burtnik (Acting President)
Capilano Community League