Introducing Our SBHCA Board President – Shelly Smith
by Michelle Varem
As March is Community Association Awareness Month it felt like a fitting time to introduce our SBHCA president – Shelly Smith. Shelly has lived in our community for nearly 21 years after having built her house here with her husband Marv. Outside of the SBHCA she teaches and practices Iyengar Yoga and is the secretary on the board for the Iyengar Association of Canada. Shelly is new to the role of president as of our 2025 AGM in October, but she is not new to volunteering with our community association as she’s been working with us in various roles since 2020, from memberships and sponsorships to logo design and newsletter writing and editing. She ran free yoga classes during the Covid lockdowns and brought people together during a time when it was tough to be in community together. If you’ve been to an SBCHA event the past few years you’ve almost certainly seen Shelly in attendance or helping to run the event. When Rhonda Smith stepped down, she became the vice president as well. We are lucky to have a volunteer with so much experience in the role. I had the opportunity to ask Shelly a few questions about community involvement, and here is what she had to say.
Q: What is something you love about living in Springbank Hill?
A: There are so many things to love about Springbank Hill – the natural beauty, pathways, the people, and proximity to the mountains. The pathways are something my husband and I enjoy the most. We get out early in the morning (with headlights on in the winter) for a very long and enjoyable walk. A big shout out to Ruby, Baxter, Kona, the Greyhounds, and Sophie – some of the amazing dogs that we get to see on our morning walks!
Q: What is something you are most proud of doing during your time with the SBHCA?
A: Probably raising much needed funds for the SBHCA through promotions, sponsorships, and events. Also connecting with our community through the newsletter, events, and surveys.
Q: What is something you’re excited to work on during your term as president?
A: Definitely enhancing the engagement with community members, managing the speed on our streets, community safety, and noise reduction on Stoney Trail. Also important is the focus on seeing through the approval and implementation of capital projects for our community. Lastly, growing our board of directors to enhance the focus on areas like membership, fundraising, etc.
Q: What is something you wish more community members knew about the SBHCA?
A: How hard the board members and volunteers work for you. As an example, our Planning and Development Committee spends countless hours representing Springbank Hill – advocating for our community. For many it is almost a part time job, and they are doing it to give back to where they live.
Thank you to Shelly for her commitment to our community and time spent volunteering on our board! If you haven’t met Shelly yet, be sure to come out to one of our events this year and say hello or join our volunteer team – current volunteer opportunities can be found in this month’s newsletter.
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