Summer is quickly going by, and life is slowly returning to the “New Normal”. We are quite excited to be able to host our first community event, scheduled for August 29, with funding provided by the TD Parks People. It will be a family games afternoon, with us setting up the disc golf set and all the other outdoor family games that we have collected over these past couple of years. Due to the mandated social distancing, we will still have to get families to book into a time slot so that they can keep to AHS recommendations. Please make sure to check our website and social media for more details. We are still waiting to hear if we will be able to host a BBQ or have to go to the food truck option.
Realtor Jodi Brilling still hasn’t decided if she is rescheduling the Parade of Garage Sales, so the board will have to decide if we will host a separate community clean-up where people can get rid of many of their items via donations and recycling services. Unfortunately, the City will not be providing garbage trucks this year.
Our wonderful new Social Media Director worked on a fun project for local kids to shoot a video on their favourite city playground in the community. We are currently working on getting them uploaded to our various platforms and sharing the creativity kids have. Thank you to the following sponsors who made the gift bags for the kids possible: A&W Auburn Station, Big Pink Chair Realty, Superstore Seton, Auburn Station Co-Op, Boston Pizza Seton, Red Skull Comics, 247 Electric, and Foothills Soccer, in addition to our Elected Officials – MP Tom Kmiec, MLA Matt Jones, and Councillor Shane Keating.
I had the opportunity to take a quick tour around the community with a new assistant in Councillor Keating’s office. He has a better understanding of the issues on Sound Manor, around the schools, the unfinished daycare, and other spots that we drove by. Hopefully his understanding can help us find some solutions to our concerns.
Another main complaint I have been seeing online, is the fact that many dog owners are not being responsible in picking up their pets’ waste. The fine is $250 and leaving it on the ground exposes any other pets to any of the bacteria/diseases, which can also wash into the drains and back into our rivers. The City has placed various garbage cans along the Blvd/Ave to ensure that there is adequate coverage to be able to dispose of the waste. If they need to be emptied, please call 3-1-1 and let them know of the location needing service.
If you are having issues with a neighbour, please note that https://www.communitymediation.ca/ has a free service that you can utilize. We know it can be hard to have a conversation and they can help with the dialogue.
Recently I discovered a food program that is offered by Community Kitchen where you can order a box of mixed seasonal fruits and vegetables. They are delivered to various depots throughout the city. I set up a secondary depot in the community for any new people who want to try out the program. Please see our website and Facebook page for the link to the next order, which is due by noon on September 7, 2020. The form has photos of the recent box as an example.
We have had a rash of thefts from yards around the community. I wanted to repeat the details of the free bike registry that allows people to register various equipment such as: strollers, wheelchairs, skateboards, bike trailers, and personal mobility devices, just to name a few. If the equipment is stolen, the registry can help with returning it if you report it. Please check out their site, https://bikeindex.org/ additional information, and https://bikecalgary.org/theft/ has additional resources and tips.
The one great thing about our community is the social media presence we have with over 65 groups that relate to almost every interest you might have, from Seniors to Gardeners to Good Food Box. We have been asking for feedback on various community projects. Please remember we need your input to help us understand what concerns/issues you feel we need to work on.
My favorite quote is “Volunteering is the price you are willing to pay for the community you want to live in”. What does your community look like, and have you paid the price to live there? Our next online meeting will be on September 2, 2020 and we look forward to having you there for your input.
Carla Obuck
Sports and Events Director, Auburn Bay Community Association (ABCA)
