Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, it is understandable that many people are scared. However, even amongst the most terrible of times, I tend to look for things that are beautiful, give me hope, and give me strength. I have seen dogs very satisfied to get walked more often by their owners. Grandparents have been thrilled that their grandchildren are teaching them new computer skills. Seeds have been selling out like crazy with the influx of those now interested in starting their own garden. I have heard of people learning a new skill, harnessing their inner artist, or learning a new language. I have seen more families take bicycle rides together than I have previously. It is lovely to see!
All those things that were on the “to-do list” are coming to be. Isolation has created time to do those things that we always wanted but that our daily life demands made impossible. Now is the opportunity to do all those things we set aside to do later. Myself, I have been putting off a book study for over a decade, which I am now currently enjoying.
What makes these extraordinary times are the people who are still frightened but willing to assist others in their community. I Can Kids Foundation has assisted families in Calgary communities by providing boxes filled with produce and groceries, as well as grocery gift cards. The Good Food Boxes hosted by Community Kitchen still have volunteers working hard to provide fresh produce for homes with a limited budget. Brown Bagging for Calgary Kids continues to provide one healthy meal to each child in their program, which is essential for children who do not have enough to eat at home. Thank you to all the volunteers who continue to be community-driven, even during these uncertain times.
What is also remarkable is the amount of gratitude I am seeing. Thank you to those who provide us with power. Thank you to those who run our communication systems. Thank you, city workers, for removing our garbage, recycling, and compost, and also for our transit workers for helping people to get to wherever they need to, including those providing us with essential services. Thank you, farmers and factory workers, for working so diligently to bring food to our tables. Thank you, grocery store workers, truck drivers, sorters and pickers. Thank you to the groups and organizations who have stayed together using video to continue providing their services. Thank you to the volunteers who put themselves on the line to help others. Thank you to the medical and emergency services who are dedicated to our wellbeing.
Our Banff Trail Casino has been postponed – not cancelled. We will still be hosting this event in the future. This fundraising event is critical to our ability to raise funds that go towards extra resources and improvements in our community. This revenue allows Banff Trail to continue to do fantastic things, such as our Conversation Club (which is essential for our seniors), kids after-school programs, summer soccer camps, family martial arts classes, maintaining the ice rink, our community gardens, and our events. These funds make a huge impact. More details will follow once a new date is confirmed.
This year will also be the 65th anniversary of holding our annual Banff Trail Neighbour Day. Neighbour Day was scheduled for June 20 but had to be postponed this year. This event represents an opportunity to get together with your neighbours and celebrate Calgary’s strong community spirit. We look forward to seeing you all and share some fun when our community hall opens once again. More details will follow.
Also postponed is the Lethbridge, Edmonton, and Calgary Bike Swap. However, this group has designed their own bike safety poster based on the Alberta Traffic Safety Act which we hope will be included in this month’s Howler.
The Banff Trail Community Association (BTCA) would like to thank Nathan for his role as treasurer this past year. Nathan Chandler is moving on to pursue other opportunities and we thank you for your gift of time and energy as a volunteer with the BTCA board for the past few years.
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].
Do you like to paint or are looking for a new project to do with your children? Would you like to paint rocks to contribute to our lovely gardens? You could then place them in and around the garden (not people’s garden plots) for residents to find if they are out for a stroll. Last year, children built and hung 9 colourful birdhouses in the trees and adding the painted rocks would enhance our garden even more! See more details in this issue of our newsletter.
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.
- 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
