We are back in the regular swing of fall and all it brings. The kids are back in school, everyone is busy and likely lamenting that blasted *s* word right around the corner. I personally like the crunching and swooshing sound of leaves as we walk the sidewalks or through Fish Creek but lament the cooler days and shorter daylight hours.
At the Community Centre, our summer projects have ended. The major multi-year roof project is 100% complete now that the gym roof has been replaced. We received full funding for it through City and Provincial grants. We will be re-applying for these annual grants to cover the cost of replacing the sorely overdue rooftop HVAC units. A few other renos will be completed by the end of November. Oh, geez, we can’t forget to brag about the ENMAX grant for brand new outdoor lights for the building and rink. You likely noticed the beacon of light the building has become and this winter you can enjoy the new rink lights too. Many thanks to electrician, Bobby, who volunteered many hours of his time to installation them.
The Deer Run Out of School care program has been doing well. We are navigating the ongoing challenges that come with COVID-19. We are thankful for staff that work hard and are dedicated to the well-being of the children.
There have been a few staff changes as some students returned to school. We have two new friendly faces to greet you at the front doors or when you call the centre. With the mask restrictions put back in place, we do lock the front doors and buzz in anyone who arrives, ensuring they have a mask.
Crime has remained low, and again, it is because we, as residents, are active and mindful about security. The police do have two requests about our garage habits; 1) do not leave a garage door opener in your car when it is parked outside, and 2) ensure that the man-door on attached (or detached) garages remain locked. Good work, Deer Run!
Our volunteers are absolutely fantastic! They bring vigor, new ideas and youthfulness to our community. Volunteer events that will be happening are the Halloween Patrol on October 31, Samaritan’s Purse shoebox drop off (due November 21), the Rink Ratz, and our annual Christmas Giving Tree. We are also looking for a coordinator to work with families and to organize the Christmas gifts that arrive. If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please email [email protected] or call the front desk at 403-278-3117.
We also hope to offer a Christmas event with youth-volunteers or another ‘Zoom with Santa’, a February Skate Party, a family Easter Party, and a Stampede Breakfast. Sadly, we will not be able to host Jelly Bean Dances or Movie Nights.
Thank you to the many people who have volunteered over this past year on repairs, skating rinks, outdoor rodent issues, cleanup days, and more. It is volunteers that make Deer Run a very welcoming place to live and belong.
Etienne Bley
Director Ways and Means, DRCA
