April is a Holy month for many of our residents, as Ramadan begins, and Easter and Passover are observed. We wish all who celebrate are blessed with peace and renewal.
Just as history is experienced forwards but critiqued backwards, this article is written the day Alberta reduces the COVID-19 response and will, of course, be read as a backward glance. ECA is sincerely hoping that the lifting of control measures has been successful when viewed in the rear-view mirror on the road to a new normal.
Written without the benefit of knowing recent outcomes, this reflection upon the last two years of various states of lockdown has given rise to an appreciation of just how divisive and disruptive the pandemic has been to both the lives and health of our society as well as the health of the body politic.
Retrospectively, it can be seen how huge measures of restraint and community-minded cooperation which, with noteworthy exceptions were generally well accepted, succeeded in maintaining the health of the majority of the world’s population. As a microcosm of the global response, the ECA’s was conservative, as befits an organization that is run by small staff contingents and large numbers of volunteers and clients, all of varying ages and health risk profiles. Yours truly represents the septuagenarian population at the ECC and the other end of the spectrum is our elementary student body who are, until very recently, not a vaccinated group. In a few words, and hopefully as a summary of the pandemic, we have all exhibited that essential quality of any successful civilization, the deliberate accommodation of one another’s needs. As a small example, days after restrictions were lifted, masks were about 50% in evidence at the mall. We will all come to the resumption of post pandemic life in stages, and the ECA thanks each and every one who will continue to approach the response constructively and with the intention to do all possible to continue the operations of the ECC.
On the social awareness and accommodation theme, there is a danger to residents everywhere, particularly young children, of discarded injection needles. While it may be uncommon further from the City Centre, no area is immune from the improper disposal of needles. Regardless of our initial reactions, the risk to health remains and AlphaHouse has a response team to assist in safe removal. Wherever and whenever you see a needle, call 403-796-5334 or email [email protected] to aid in the safe disposal. There will be a post on the website to retain these contact addresses.
Remember, the AGM is fast approaching, 11 May 2022. It was noted (for April’s article) in review of March’s Inside Edgemont that the AGM date was correct, but the year was out of whack. ECA will meet to report to members this year, 2022! Also remember that your membership must be in place one month before the AGM (April 11) in order to vote. ECA Bylaws state the timetable so please, contact Rick Wierzbicki of the Nominations Committee at [email protected], and get any and all notices and motions to our Secretary by April 11 – that is this month! Look for further details in our newsletter.
There was a light but enthusiastic turnout for the Skating Party on February 21, met by ECA’s intrepid volunteers and old man winter’s abundant response of frigid air. Thanks to all who participated and look for a few photos of our hardy Edgemontonians.
Please check the website or email the office at [email protected] about the upcoming Sports Equipment Swap on April 2 or the Spring Handmade Market on April 9.
We look forward to seeing more of Edgemont’s residents attending the classes and programs at the ECC. Say, did I mention that one of the best supports for the ECA is for you to take out a membership? You get to vote at the AGM, for one, and those funds go directly into your community centre. Visit https://www.edgemont.ab.ca/become-a-member/.
