Hello again community residents, members, and partners. On behalf of the Board of Directors (the Board) of the Hidden Valley and Hanson Ranch Community Association (HVCA); I am writing the first week of November, which feels to me now like the middle of December, partly because of the weather, but mostly because the Board and community volunteers have been planning for Winter 2020/2021 and beyond. I am pleased to report that our community has identified a few things to help keep us engaged and active as winter begins.
Thanks to the efforts of our dedicated hockey-coordinator, Spencer, and his team of volunteers, we will be offering hockey this winter on the rink. There will be a few changes from past years to make sure that we are operating according to Alberta Health guidelines and requirements to help keep families safe. But weather permitting, we will have an ice surface for organized hockey. Hopefully, by the time you read this in the newsletter, there will be an update on the website (www.hiddenhut.org) with information about recreational skating.
We are helping a resident organize a wildlife club in the community. Tentatively called “The Bobcat Club”, we will use the technology from our remote board meetings to help folks get together, without being physically close. Other communities have hosted book and cooking clubs online, and what we learn from our first club like this, can help us figure out how to support other clubs that interest HVCA residents and members.
On the unorganized activity side of things, we encourage residents to think about being a Snow Angel during this season. If you shovel the sidewalk in front of your neighbour’s property when you are out, especially if your neighbour could use a little extra help, you are a Snow Angel. If someone has been a Snow Angel for you, you can nominate them for recognition from the City by calling 311 or visiting the City of Calgary website at https://www.calgary.ca/csps/cns/seniors/snow-angels/snow-angels.html.
Looking ahead to activities in the new year, the Board is making changes to the membership renewal process that supports our programming and events such as, Winterfest (February weather and other conditions permitting), as well asthe overall value the membership program brings. A playground revitalization is underway on the west side of the neighbourhood (see www.h2spaces.org for more information on timing and how to get involved). We are also planning for the Community Clean-up and Garage Sale Weekend, our summer sports and events, and our fundraising Casino (sometime in July to September). Because of that timeline, we are also planning the June 2021 Annual General Meeting. For our next AGM to include more participants (in person, on the phone, and over the internet), a special resolution vote for a bylaw change will be required, early in 2021.
Your Board is facing quite a lot of work in lots of different areas (technology, social-media, planning, organizing) and we could use some help if you could make some time. Please contact [email protected] if you can pitch in.
Before I close the December update, I do want to thank Holy Trinity Anglican Church of Calgary in Hanson Ranch for their help this year with the Hanson Ranch entrance feature that needed repair and attention.The contribution from the churchand congregation was most welcome, and helped us make sure that the Board can live up to its mission of improving the quality of life and community spirit of all residents.
Finally, for all our residents and HVCA members, the Board and I want to thank you for helping us and your nearly 12,000 neighbours, through a difficult 2020. We hope that you, your families, and those you care most about, are able to experience moments of peace and joy during your year-end celebrations; and we wish for brighter times on the other side of winter.
Neill Coad
Vice President, HVCA
