Raven’s Corner
Many years ago, Easter was celebrated in a very different manner. People used to celebrate the Saxon goddess named Eostre (where we get the name Easter), who was the goddess of spring and of dawn. One day, she found an injured bird, but it was still cold outside. To save the bird, she transformed it into a hare, but the transformation did not go as planned. The hare was able to give Eostre eggs in thanks for saving its life. Since antiquity, eggs and sacred hares have been used by many cultures to represent spring and fertility. Later, this became adopted as the Easter Bunny. Exchanging and gifting eggs became popular and later, decorating them. Hot cross buns were a popular choice during the feasts. This was a celebration where people marveled about the power of nature and celebrated the longer days ahead. Happy Ostera!
We had a great year for the ice rink this year, and it was used by all ages, from the time the sun went up and right through to the evenings. Many thanks to the volunteers who helped make this happen and who kept maintaining the rink, resealing it with water, and clearing it after it snowed. Most importantly, many thanks to the young people who volunteered this year (especially pitching in to shovel and clear the ice). Your volunteering has not gone unnoticed; thank you for your time and dedication.
Is there a kid in your home? Are they looking for a volunteer opportunity that delivers fun, parties, and friendship? The Banff Trail Youth Council is right in your neighbourhood. We are very proud to have Kim Jordan as our Youth Leader. Join our youth group! [email protected]
Would you like to see a cycle track in your neighbourhood? More details are in this issue about the Banff Trail Cycle Track.
Many thanks to Marda Loop for hosting the Justice Film Festival, which was online this year. I could not believe how high quality and how well done these movies were. This month, Marda Loop is allowing another free movie event. More details in this issue.
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 at [email protected]. Memberships run from March to February and do not automatically renew.
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. Feel free to call 403-282-2234 or email [email protected], 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.
Your editor for the Banff Trail Howler,
Ravenmoon Spicer
Honouring Indigenous cultures: Calgary (and Banff Trail) is situated at Mohkinsstsis (in Blackfoot); Wîchîspa (in Stoney); or Guts’ists’i (in Tsuut’ina) in Treaty 7 territory, home of the Blackfoot Nations, Stoney-Nakoda Nations, Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.
