Welcome all, to the New Year, and the first edition of the 2021 Villager for Deer Run. I hope everyone stayed safe over the holidays. There were a lot of changes in isolation regulations throughout the year and, once again at this writing, it seems we are back at square one.
Our staff at the community centre were able to open in September. With guidance from our city and provincial legislatures, we have provided a safe environment for athletic and childcare programs. While the community centre was closed, we sharpened social protocols and completed repairs to the lower roofs of the facilities. This down time also allowed the community association and its board members to address some older projects. You will see much brighter lighting on the outdoor rinks. We are awaiting approval on grants submitted to fund some Life Cycle upgrades. Changes due in 2021 are looking a little brighter (no pun intended).
During the last week of November, and the first week of December, our great volunteer Rink Ratz have attempted to flood and clean the two outdoor rinks. The very warm daytime temperatures have made this quite a challenge. I hope that when you read this article conditions have turned, and we will have some good ice for the new year. It seems that the kids are out on any occasion, good or bad. Life has provided some smiles!
I would like to acknowledge the tremendous response the community association received for volunteers for the Rink Ratz. We held a socially responsible meeting in the first part of November. We were surprised by the turnout. The meeting gave us a chance to get our daily night flooding and sweeping schedules organized, so that all the volunteers could contribute and join in the fun. The group was also able to set up a list of spare helpers in case of last-minute assistance. Now our scheduled volunteers can contact them in the event of an emergency. This keeps our two-person rotation in a safe team environment. Please note, we are always on the lookout to expand the Rink Ratz team, the more the merrier!
This month we take a look into what motivates our lead hand ice volunteer, Marc Blais. Thanks, Marc and the Rink Ratz crew!
I recommend everyone stays up to date by visiting our Facebook page and website. These provide more immediate news from the community association. Please also support the local businesses that advertise in the Deer Run Villager.
Ken Werbicki
Sports Director DRCA
