We are almost at spring, and I can’t believe how busy things are becoming. We are starting to make plans for this year’s events and will be sharing details as they come together for: Auburn Bay Parks Cleanup, YYC Community Cleanup, Community Gardens opening, and Stampede Breakfast. Is there something you would like to see added to the schedule? We would love your input. Please email us at [email protected] or call us at 403-744-5301, ext. 1.
We finally got a list of resources that the Federal Government provides newcomers, but they were unable to answer if those resources are provided to all, or if they have to ask for them. So, in hearing more about new families, I really want to stress how important it is that if you know someone in this situation you should let them know there are free resources available, they just need to ask. Immigrant Services can be reached at 403-265-1120 and the City of Calgary has a full list of resources that can be found at https://www.calgary.ca/communities/newcomers/non-city-resources.html, by searching their website, or they can call 2-1-1 for other city resources/programs.
A number of local residents have been pointing out the lack of community content in this newsletter, and we wanted to clarify a few matters. Great News Media prepares and prints this newsletter, and generously allows the Community Association and the Residents Association to share our information in it for free. They have given us additional space if advertising revenue allows for it, but unfortunately, we have been asking for a volunteer to help pull together more community content for over six years now. Just a reminder that many of the programs and events that happen outside of Auburn House and the lake are done by volunteers. We all donate our time and efforts to help make our community better, but we cannot do it all on our own. If you want to see more community content in this newsletter, then we need you to step forward to help. Jennifer P., who does up the recipe of the month stepped forward on her own to provide that content to be included. My favourite community saying is “volunteering is the price you are willing to pay for the community you want to live in!” What does your community have to offer? Free Stampede Breakfast? Free Parade of Lights? Free Community Cleanup? A Community Garden? All of this happens with the price volunteers are willing to pay…
Things for replacing the CA shed are in a holding pattern as we are still awaiting answers from the City on which permits we need to pull in addition to raising the money to pay for it. If you know of a company that would be interested in donating, please ask them to email us at [email protected] or call the CA number listed above.
Save the date! We have been given the day of May 27 to host the City of Calgary Cleanup. I am just in the process of confirming which services we will have on site. This should include electronics, metal, donations, garbage, and composting trucks. More details to follow.
The City is just reviewing the final revision of the drawing for the community garden space, once we have that approval, we will share that information with the community. Hopefully, it will inspire others to get involved to see the dream come together. We will be submitting an application for a significant grant that would cover a substantial amount of the work that would need to get done. If you are interested in putting your name on the list for the 2023 community gardens spaces, please go to https://forms.gle/ZSo4TUpB8yDLPETv5.
Auburn House (Auburn Bay Residents Association) is hosting a Free Seniors Event every Tuesday from 1:30 to 3:30 pm, and they would like to extend an invitation to residents to come out and enjoy an afternoon of refreshments, conversation, and potentially games with others. They noted that guests are welcome to attend as well.
The Community Kitchen Good Food Box program continues to grow (we reached a new record of 40 boxes!) each month and is a great opportunity to get affordable and delicious produce. You can get a small box (approximately 20 to 25lbs) for $25, medium (30 to 35lbs) for $30, or large (40 to 45lbs) for $35, delivered once a month. Please check out the post on our website for the google form to place your order.
Auburn Bay has a large number of Facebook groups. There is a Pet Group, Seniors Group, Grillers Group, Ladies Group, Food Lovers Group, Gardening Group, Community Garden Group, Ladies Clothing Exchange Group, Business Group, Buy-Nothing Group… the list is nearly endless. Make sure to go and check these fabulous interest groups out.
Finally, a reminder that the next CA online meeting will be on March 8 followed by our AGM on April 12. We will be sharing a notice of Special Resolution for the AGM in the next edition. These meetings are open to everyone, and we look forward to having you there for your input and participation. The links to join in the meeting are available on our website. We have also uploaded the minutes from the past meetings as well.
Carla Obuck
Sports and Events Director, Auburn Bay Community Association (ABCA)
