November 2013 Newsletter

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It’s great to know that when I mention my Ward 14 Communities BBQ people understand what I’m talking about. It’s great because people are thinking about their local Community Association: the volunteers that bring them programs, events, playgrounds, and keep an eye on developments in the neighbourhood. When I say people know what I’m talking about, I mean that, as I write this in late September the 2013 Ward 14 Communities BBQ has already brought in more memberships than the last two years combined (with some numbers still yet to come in)!

For those of you who don’t know about the Ward 14 Communities BBQ, it is a membership drive for Community Associations in Ward 14. Local sponsors donate funds to pay for Community Association memberships that are given away for free at the event. People get a free burger, beverage, and are entertained by line dancers, music, and other exhibitors. Donations to the Calgary Food Bank are also accepted.

Sponsors are what make the BBQ happen, and they deserve thanks…

Southcentre Mall has provided us with a location for the last three years, and donated funds. The Southcentre Safeway donated beverages, and Deer Valley Calgary Coop provided hamburger buns. M&M Meatshops of Deer Valley provided the delicious burgers and grilled them for us. BFI Canada helped us clean up afterwards.

Many sponsors donated money: Canyon Creek Toyota, Jack Carter Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC, Southgate Chevrolet Buick GMC, Trico Homes, Genstar Development, United Communities, and Qualico Developments all wrote cheques to help Ward 14 Community Associations.

Congratulations to Jeannette of Deer Run who won a foursome of golf in the BBQ raffle courtesy of Blue Devil Golf Club, and Deanah of Queensland who won a set of barbeque and shish kabob tools courtesy of Rona Midnapore.

Thank you to the line dancers, and groups like Primary Care Network of South Calgary, Bow Valley Ranche – Artisan Gardens, and the Community Garden groups who presented the wonderful work they do.  We also had the Honourable Jonathan Denis, and MLAs Jeff Wilson and Rick Fraser who stayed to meet with the people they represent. Finally, without ‘buy-in’ from the Community Associations of Ward 14, it would all be for nothing. I have had the pleasure of seeing more and more people get involved with the fledgling Silverado Community Association over my tenure, and have seen residents of Silverado learn the value they provide. To have them bring in 24 new memberships at my BBQ – 21 more than last year – makes all the work worthwhile.

You can always contact me at (403)268-1653 or eaward14@calgary.ca, and learn more about the Ward 14 Communities BBQ at www.calgary.ca/events.

Goodbye until next month.​