It seems that not so long ago, we were complaining about the winter. When is the cold and snow ever going to end? It seems like many are enjoying the warmer weather. In May, there was already a shortage of bikes available in stores all across Calgary. I am happy to see that many people are taking the opportunity to rollerblade, bicycle, skateboard, and do many other physical activities. What a wonderful opportunity to exercise and to enjoy this beautiful weather!
Many thanks to the community members and volunteers who took their time to help out in our neighbourhood and give assistance where needed. Thank you to so many others who were so essential during our time of need but were often not spoken of: thank you, city workers, for removing our garbage, recycling, and compost and also for our transit worker for helping workers to get to wherever they need to go. Thank you, farmers, pickers, and sorters. Thanks to the factory workers for working so diligently to bring food to our tables. Thank you to those who work in transportation: to bring us our goods. Thank you to the groups and organizations who have stayed together using video to continue providing their services. Thank you, social workers, therapists, and senior aide workers. Lastly, a special thank you to the volunteers who put themselves on the line to help others.
This year was our 65th anniversary of our annual Banff Trail Neighbour Day. Neighbour Day was held on June 20, and had to change due to COVID-19. Instead of holding an event at the community hall, Banff Trail residents were encouraged to celebrate this day by indulging in random acts of kindness. Residents, including children, were invited to participate however they liked (keeping social distancing in mind). The main goal was simply to reach out and connect with your neighbours through generosity and kindness. Suggestions included: cleaning up a nearby park or alley, doing something nice for a neighbour, such as taking them out for coffee, cleaning up their yard, or baking them some cookies, painting a fence, raking leaves, or completing other yard work (especially for an elderly or disabled neighbour), make food and deliver it to neighbours. Those who could play instruments were encouraged to play music/sing on the street for their neighbours. Kids and all ages alike were asked to paint rocks and place them throughout our neighbourhood street. Have any photos of you or your family taking part in these activities? Please send us your photographs. We would love to share them!
We will be able to host events soon once our community hall is open once again.
Do you have a Banff Trail Community Membership? At the 2018 AGM, your BTCA voted to set memberships to zero dollars. Yes, free. To get a membership, just provide your name, contact information, and let us know if you live within the Banff Trail neighbourhood boundaries to [email protected]. Memberships run from March to February and do not automatically renew. Please email to renew your membership for another year. For those interested in becoming a member for the first time, welcome!
Tracy Thomson, our Membership Coordinator, is also looking for volunteers to build a Banff Trail Membership Committee. If you are interested in volunteering in our community, please contact her at [email protected]. On that note, I would like to give a shout out to Marie Fraser who became our volunteer for the Community Garden group a couple of months ago. Your contribution of time and energy has been tremendous; thank you. Also, a special shout out to Marlise Westeinde who has just taken on the position as our new Treasurer. We look forward to working with you and getting to know you better.
If you have anything you’re interested in, don’t hesitate to get involved. Our meetings are always on the first Wednesday of the month from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. These meetings are now online via video. Feel free to call 403-282-2234. You are more than welcome to attend! The Banff Trail Community Association consists of a pretty awesome group of neighbours who are here to make Banff Trail a great place to be.
P.S. – The Banff Trail Community Association needs you! We are in need of a BTCA Events Planner. If you have any questions, please contact us!
Ravenmoon Spicer
Editor of your Banff Trail Howler
