by Ellen Scott
After six and a half years of fostering the community of Haysboro, Association Administrator Fiona Swanson leaves her post. “I was moving to Haysboro with my now husband Garry, when I was looking on the Haysboro website to see what the community had to offer for activities and noticed the job,” explains Swanson about moving to the area in September 2013. “I applied and started weeks later.”
As the newly installed fulltime Administrator, Swanson was tasked with bringing in more renters for the community hall, plus instigating more programs for members. Each day was new and unexpected as the furnace went out or someone needed a piece of equipment. It always made things exciting.
There was a never-ending list of things to do. She was instrumental in booking the hall for programs, events, classes, weddings and memorial services, making sure the rooms were booked and that renters were happy. Because there was no security, Swanson spent many weekends answering phone calls from renters. Then there were pre-Christmas activities, countdown calendars, fundraisers, and extra classes for kids’ dance and art.
“I really enjoyed Kid’s Club last year and was thankful to parents for their help,” says Swanson. “The kids enjoyed the Gaga Ball Pit built by the Ross family and bringing out the rink fire hose as an upright sprinkler for Tot Time!”
One of her other duties was to work on the finances, registration, purchases, advertising, and scheduling for Haysboro Preschool. Preschool teacher Kerry Urban said Swanson’s support helped the Haysboro Community Preschool be the best it could be. “Her dedication to all of Haysboro was unwavering and has created foundations of community, connection and love that will continue to serve our neighbours for years to come. I’m excited to hear about Fiona’s next chapter and happy to have made such an inspiring friend,” says Urban.
These sentiments were echoed by Allison Rau-Dobson, also a Preschool teacher who worked closely with Swanson. “She was often the first person to welcome families to the neighbourhood and to the magic of this very special place to live, grow, and take care of each other!”
Advocating a community means working with an array of leaders. Calgary Councillor for Ward 11, Jeromy Farkas, says he was sad to hear about Swanson stepping down following the many years of service to a community within his jurisdiction. “Whether it be her support of the Board, help around the hall, or monthly newsletter columns, she never hesitated to share her knowledge, interest, time, and ideas,” Farkas says. “Fiona was pivotal to so many successful events over the past few years and was always a helping hand for volunteers looking to step up and contribute. Fiona – we’re sad to see you go and we’re so much better off from being in your care!”
Championing opportunities to the community, Swanson brought in Engineering for Kids, Spanish, Workshop Theatre, and Pop Up Puppetry. One of her faves was Calgary’s Cottage Gardener.
Owner Janet Melrose presents workshops on plant care like harvesting, interplanting, and conservation. “Working with Fiona over the past few years on gardening workshops to promote community and gardening knowledge was truly a delight! Bringing people together in fellowship is a powerful motivator for Fiona and contributions (not to mention the sheer hard work) she has made towards growing the Haysboro community are manifold. Fiona . . . I wish you well and hope you aren’t a stranger in the future!”
For now, Diane Ward is looking after Administration duties until the Haysboro Community Association Board can find a permanent replacement. “The Board is grateful to Fiona for her passion and enthusiasm for building community in Haysboro,” the Board issued in a statement. “She has been instrumental in supporting our visions, projects, and events. Fiona has championed her own initiatives while befriending the community at large. Her friendliness and dedication will be missed.”
Unsure what the future will hold, Swanson says she is keeping busy with church functions. “I look forward to being a part of the community in a different way.”
