by Val Noonan, Executive Director
Another year has come and gone. Do you feel the same way I do? How can something that seems like it is literally dragging its heels every step of the way, suddenly speed up and a whole year has passed in what seems like the blink of an eye?
We have had a busy year at the community centre. There were the first few months where we were closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Once we were able to re-open, we hosted the community cleanup in July, our very first open-air music event in August, the Community Block party in September, the municipal election in October, and we once again held a casino also in October. Along with those events, we have been busy at the gym – we offer free Seniors Fitness and Art classes every Monday afternoon; there is drop-in badminton every Tuesday and Thursday morning; and drop-in pickleball every Tuesday to Friday afternoon. We have a number of sports groups that are renting the gym, so there is activity in the building every day. After so many months of being closed, it is great to see all of the people who are getting out and being physically active. We are participating in the Restrictions Exemption Program and all persons 12 and older must provide verification of vaccination status before they are able to enter the building. I am looking forward to another year of people of all ages enjoying themselves at Hounsfield Heights-Briar Hill Community Centre.
We held our Annual General meeting in November, and we have a number of new people who have joined our Board of Directors. Brad Krizan is the new community association President. Brad stepped up to fill the position as our previous President, Terry Wong, is now the Councillor representing Ward 7. Gunter Sammet has moved into the position of First Vice President after the sudden passing of Carol Sandahl. Jeff Marsh is leaving Strategic Planning to assume the role of Second Vice President and the Communication Portfolio – expect to hear more from Jeff throughout the year. Jason Biever will be taking the helm of the Strategic Planning committee. Hetty Roessingh has taken the Education Director position. Elizabeth Atkinson will be taking over the Land Use Portfolio. Our returning Board Members are Michelle LeGrandeur and Jason Scratch in Community Safety; Kin Wong returns as Board Secretary and IT; Val Mumford will return as a Director at Large and Kathryn Winkler is returning as Treasurer. Join me in welcoming our new board members and giving a great big thank-you to all of our new and returning members. These roles are voluntary, and our community association would not exist without their leadership and support. Thank you for everything you do!
As we move into 2022, I wish everyone a healthy, happy, wonderful year. Remember to be kind and love one another.
