Dear Brentwoodians,
Just like the first signs of spring, there are some hints in the air that our collective confinement might be slowly lifting (as if we don’t spend enough time huddled indoors when it is -40 degrees outside). My golfing neighbours here on Brown Crescent are looking forward to teeing off this week as courses are opened up, but they will miss the social side of the game while distancing rules remain in effect. I remain hopeful that by the time this June issue of the Bugle hits your doorstep, life will be starting to look a bit more normal. Of course, we can’t expect a total reset to the “pre-COVID” world: some things will be changed for good (or bad).
One lasting impact that we will unfortunately see will be the closure of businesses that cater to our community and provide a living for owners and employees. Federal government assistance programs will hopefully help some businesses weather the storm but for others, the long stretch without customers, and possible permanent changes to the way people go about their lives, will be too much. I urge readers to shop local whenever possible – many small businesses are offering delivery or curbside pickup, and they need your patronage now. The same is true for arts and cultural institutions, as well as the artists and performers who all make our city an enriching place to live. If you are able, I urge you to consider making a donation to music groups or theatres that you enjoy, to help ensure that they can continue to entertain us. Now would also be a great time to buy a CD or t-shirt from a local musician’s website or Bandcamp page, or purchase their music from iTunes or a similar download site.
More Tragedies
T.S. Eliot wrote that “April is the cruelest month”, and Canadians could be forgiven for agreeing with him this year. As if the loss of life from COVID-19 and the challenges of living under lockdown – and for many losing their livelihoods – were not enough, we have had to process the senseless act of violence that took place in Nova Scotia. Many Calgarians, myself included, have ties to the province, and we are all horrified. Add to this the devastating flooding in Fort McMurray, just recovering from the huge fires that devastated the community in 2016, and the loss of a navy helicopter with all crew in the Mediterranean, and it can feel like too much to handle.
The silver lining of all these tragedies and challenges is that they help unite all Canadians in helping and grieving, and serve to remind us that whatever differences we have, we are all much stronger together.
Brentwood Cares
The Brentwood Community continues to exemplify this spirit of solidarity through the “Brentwood Cares” initiative. Such is the level of willingness to pitch in and help that Brentwood volunteers are looking beyond our community, and helping out Foreign Temporary Workers and Cargill plant employees as those groups struggle under the present circumstances. If you know someone, within our community or elsewhere, who needs help – or if you can offer time and energy, please see the notice in this issue and get in touch!
Photo Contest
The Bugle is looking for Brentwood’s best amateur photographers to provide cover images each month. If you have a great snap of our neighbourhood saved on your phone or posted on your social media feed, send it in for a chance to be featured on the cover of an upcoming issue! Photos must be 300 DPI or higher (i.e. from a newer model phone or good digital camera), 6.3 x 8.2 inches minimum size, and portrait orientation. If submitting pictures of minors, please make sure that you have direct, express permission to submit the picture from a parent or guardian. Send your photos, or any questions, to [email protected].
Yours sincerely,
Jonathan Jucker
Editor, Brentwood Bugle
