President’s Message – April
What’s going on in April at ECC, you might ask? There are many programs in the works for April and beyond, so I’ll get straight to it.
Let me start by saying “thank you” to the volunteers who supported Lego Mania. It’s amazing to see what can be made of those simple little blocks. Congratulations to all who participated. Volunteers are the backbone of any community association, and in Edgemont we have the best! (Perhaps I’m a little biased.)
One issue that’s become quite contentious is the City’s Upzoning Bylaw. I’ve heard from a few residents, and we were joined at our last meeting by two who presented a case to oppose the bylaw and the process that’s taken us to this point. We had a very good discussion, and the Board has sent a letter to the Mayor and City Council outlining our position. Several community associations have sent a joint letter with a similar outlook. ECA decided that sending our own letter along with an invitation to host a community town hall to the Mayor and the City Council was a stronger tactic that enabled us to outline our own views on this bylaw. At the time I’m writing this message, I haven’t had an acknowledgement of our letter or our invitation.
For those looking to get out on the soccer pitch, registration is open. See the website for details. Play with your friends. Make new friends. Learn new skills. Soccer is one of the fastest growing sports and with good reason.
On May 11 ECA will be hosting “Petals and Posies,” our annual Mother’s Day Tea. Please join us for an afternoon celebrating mothers, grandmothers and all others who serve in a nurturing role in families. It’s a garden party theme so don your favourite spring colors and enjoy the goodies and the companionship. There will be a photo area complete with a spring backdrop so tune up those cameras in your cell phone and have a family photo taken. There will be volunteers around to take the pictures. Registration is a must as we are limiting the attendance to 50. Go to the ECA website for a link to the registration information.
May 15 is our AGM. We will be posting the agenda as well as audited financial reports on our website so members can review the information prior to the meeting. It’s been a busy year so there is lots to report! In addition, several Directors have completed their terms of office. This means there is room for new members to join the Board. If you are interested, contact Rick ([email protected]) to get the nomination package. So far there has been lots of interest and we’d be happy to see even more! The term of office is two years with a limit of serving no more than 3 consecutive terms. We are looking for innovative ideas.
Watch out for details about the Disc Golf tournament on May 25. More information can be found on the website as well as further along in this newsletter.Here’s hoping for a good weather day. The disc golf course is well utilized, and I continue to receive positive comments about how much fun residents are having on the course. Our tournament is “mostly” recreational, but if you know golfers, both the traditional and disc type, you know that a little competition always sneaks its way into the game.
Nordic Rodeo will be held on June 22 along with a Stampede Breakfast and a Citizenship Court Ceremony. A great kick off to Stampede shenanigans. Check the website for the complete program. ECA is honoured to host the Citizenship Court to welcome new Canadians in great Calgary style. All are welcome.
ECA has had a number of meetings with MLA Julia Hayter. Julia has a great interest in our community and its needs, particularly around social service supports. One initiative that she has launched is Period Poverty Drive. ECA is supporting MLA Hayter by being a collection site for feminine hygiene products to be distributed to those in our community that are finding it difficult to stretch their household budgets. Drop by the centre with items and you will find the collection spot just outside the reception office. Doing our part helps people feel confident in their ability to partake in all activities no matter the time of the month.
In closing I’d like to encourage all members to take out a membership in ECA. There is a link on the website to accept your payment. It’s a simple thing but the more members ECA represents, the more influence we have when advocating on our community’s behalf. All members who pay their fees prior to the AGM being called to order are eligible to fully participate in that meeting. There will be memberships sold onsite that day if that seems more convenient.
Pamela Wilson
President