Participation Builds Your Community: An Interview with Jennifer Manns

What long-time Board Member has to say about volunteering for the Community:

Why did you Volunteer in Cambrian Heights?

I first became a Board Member over 12 years ago at an Annual General Meeting. I was one of the only attendees of the meeting so I was able to get a good sense of what the Board did and the real need for Volunteers.  I was asked if I wanted to help out and I said “Yes!”
 I had a young family at the time and as we had enjoyed many Community functions, I thought it was important to be part of the Association to make sure others were able to enjoy these events as well! I started as the Cambrian Heights School Liason as our kids went to the school and it was a good fit. I then became the Membership Coordinator and continue to hold that position and have helped out and attended many events.
What Benefit do you derive from participation in the Community? 
I have found that being a member of the Community Association has allowed me to be more connected to our neighbourhood. We have lived in Cambrian Heights for over 23 years and being part of the board over stages in our life has been a great way to build friendships, have a voice in your community and how it evolves over time and give back to others.
I found that by volunteering that you really are an important cog in the community, ensuring there are resources to run the facility and events to build and sustain that community. I have a special fondness for the Annual Halloween Party and have been involved in running it for over 10 years.
Why would I recommend that others participate? 
The Community Association is about Building Community and engaging with others. In this age of technology, Netflix and so many activities available outside your community, it’s important to get out of your bubble to make sure that you are an active part of the place you live.
The Community Association is ALL volunteer run! Board members, like other community members, have active busy lives, with kids, work, activities and hobbies and so the more people we get involved, the less effort is required. “Many hands make light work!”
I would encourage all residents that if you have ever attended and enjoyed any community programs or events that you consider volunteering at an event. Even cleaning up after the event is welcomed! I am positive you will meet someone new and have a good time!
 
What is the monthly time commitment? 
In addition to our monthly meetings, my Membership position takes a couple of hours a month.
The rest of the time I volunteer is based on what I can provide to help out with ongoing events. Again, I appreciate the time donated by those who have stepped up to try out a new idea or organize an event, so I will help out when I can. By organizing ticket sales prior to the event, volunteering at the event, or set up or take down. It is really up to you how much time you can provide. And it is always very much appreciated!

Wine Tasting Event 2019 was a success!

The Community held its fifth wine tasting event on Saturday, April 6 at the Community Hall. This years theme was Spring wines and featured selected wines from Italy, France, Canada and Spain. Highlander Wine & Spirits once again provided an informal discussion on each wine’s origins, history and the ability to order bottles by participants at a significant discount to the posted prices. The wines were matched with cheese provided by Springbank Cheese to which were added selected meats accompanied by breads, crackers and dried fruits. Everyone enjoyed meeting with Evan Hopkins from the North Hill Highlander store and requested the Community Association continue to sponsor this excellent evening event.

Our first Cooking Class was a hit!

The Cambrian Heights Community held its first Cooking Class in the Hall’s newly completed commercial kitchen on Saturday evening March 9. The Event was sold out with 21 participants attending. Chef Don Turnbull prepared a full course dining experience with broccoli soup, Caesar salad, roast pork, pork schnitzel, baby potatoes and carrots. For dessert crepes were prepared with strawberry topping. The meal, prepared and cooked by Chef Don, was accompanied by instructions, stories and kitchen tips for all to learn and enjoy. Detailed recipes were handed out and many notes were taken. Glasses of wine were provided to accompany the food which was relished by all participants. The three hours ended with spontaneous applause and urging for additional cooking classes in the future.
Pictures of the event and food are shown below:

Volunteer Appreciation Night 2019 was a success!

Despite some chilly temperatures the Volunteer Appreciation Night on Saturday, February 9 met with good success. Over 25 volunteers attended the evening of wine, food and games. Thanks to Barb Milne and Jodie Dixon everyone shared stories from the neighbourhood, laughed with the team trivia games and enjoyed a social thank you to our volunteers. New ideas for community events and particularly improved use of our parks space came out of the evening.

This will definitely be an event repeated in the future. Thanks to all who came and helped out with the appreciation event.

Polar Party 2019 was a success!

The Community Association held its 5th Annual Polar party on January 26 under partially sunny skies and perfect weather. An estimated 70-80 participants visited our two outdoor ice rinks over the 3-4 hours. Many young children took advantage of the free skates to experience ice skating for the first time while experienced skaters played hockey with parents, brothers, sisters and friends. The free hot chocolate and cider were once again popular as was the fire to warm up between activities. The City of Calgary provided two coordinators who helped out with all the events and even tied skates up for the many new Canadians who joined in the fun.
At the same time and for the 2nd year the Cambrian School Parents sponsored a fundraising event inside the Community Hall for the children of the school. They held a Chilli cook-off contest as well as providing indoor games and an extensive bake sale. The good weather allowed the bake sale to be partially moved outside for everyone on skates to access.
A great time was had by all and many thanks go out to Scott Jacobson and his ice crew along with the organizers of the event, Jodi Dixon for Cambrian Heights and Krista Steinke for the Cambrian School, and their volunteers.

Casino Volunteers Needed

Volunteers are needed for the Community Casino dates of May 29 & 30. Day or night shifts.

Join your neighbours in the primary financing event for your community association. Lots of support. First timers need not be apprehensive.

Call Sonya at 403-852-0198 or email hnatiw13@shaw.ca

Snow farmers save community cross-country skiing

Every urbanite should experience farming. Volunteer snow farmers are busy harvesting snow at Confederation Park Golf Course – trying to extend ski trail life with this year’s warm, dry winter. Snow farming includes manual and mechanized moving of snow onto trail routes, prolonging a trail’s life. It’s a great way to try your hand at farming (guaranteed no crop failure), get strong shoveling and meet other outdoorsy community members!

Ski trails at Confederation Park Golf Course and Canmore Park provide quick access to skiing in the city, are a great way to get outdoors with friends and family, and are brought to you by the Calgary Nordic Alliance. Last year saw nearly 30,000 winter visits to the course. The Calgary Nordic Alliance relies on volunteers and donations to make trails happen. If you’ve enjoyed the trails make a donation! If you have some extra time or want to meet other skiers consider volunteering (snow harvesting, snowmaking, greeters, communication and board openings).

The Calgary Nordic Alliance supports reliable, accessible cross-country skiing for Calgarians and represents many local clubs, including non-profits Foothills Nordic Ski Club and Calgary Ski Club.

Michelle Deacon – Calgary, AB

Home Based Trade Show

The Cambrian Heights School Fundraising Society lead by Krista Steinke and her volunteer group put on a very successful home based trade show and online sale on Saturday, November 3 at our Community Hall.

The Cambrian Heights Community supported this activity with free hall usage as we continue to build our mutually beneficial relationship with the Cambrian School parent association. More than 200 people attended this event, the vast majority from our community.

The Cambrian School parents plan to repeat this event next year.

Supporting new concept events remains a priority goal of the Community Board as well as supporting our local school.

Lego Contest 2018 was a huge success!

On Saturday, November 17 the second Annual Lego Contest was held at the Cambrian Heights Community Hall. Thanks to Nancy Else and her volunteers there were 36 entries and two displays on exhibition over the day. An estimated 75 attendees viewed the entries. They included remote control cars, windmills, farms, space stations, microscopes and Lord of the Rings creations. In addition, there were two professional displays of a Lego City and Star Wars. Most of the contestants were in the 7-8 year old category. Prizes were awarded and the Lego Store provided bags and magazines for everyone. Planning has already started towards expanding this event in November of next year. Pictures from the event are shown below.

Coleridge Block Party

A very successful Block party was held August 25th centred around Coleridge Road by Dave Mallot and a group of neighbours. Over 100 people attended between 2-8 PM. A roasted pig was served with entertainment provided by a band, bouncy castle, slip and slide and a list by the Calgary fire department and a police helicopter fly by. Some pictures of the event are attached.
The Community Association supported this event with a $100 donation. This support is available to anyone hosting a Block Party in the Community. We thank Dave for his initiative and look forward to supporting another such party in 2019. Anyone interested in hosting a future event of this nature any time of the year may apply for the grant at cambrianheights@gmail.com