Monday, January 26, 2015

Recognizing our Volunteer Community for All They Do

Killam's Council & Administration recently invited members of our Volunteer community to a special event where we could recognize & thank them for all they do.


Volunteers are the Lifeblood of a Community.  I have said this before many times, because I believe it to be an absolute fact.  In smaller communities especially – communities like Killam, and like the Flagstaff region – volunteers play a vital role in delivering those services that work to define us.

In Killam we like to say we are living “Life Without Compromise”.  A huge part of that is because of our community builders, and your desire to give back.
His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, spoke of giving back to one’s community in his New Years Address just a few weeks ago.  His message, in part, states -


"The 150th anniversary of Confederation, which we will celebrate in 2017, gives us a unique opportunity to think about the kind of country we desire, and to work towards it.  
"It is so important that we give back to our communities and to Canada. As my predecessor, Georges Vanier, once said, 'If Canada is to attain the greatness worthy of it, each of us must say, ‘I ask only to serve.’
"This statement of truth is elegantly simple. Each of us has something unique and important to offer, and the New Year provides an opportune time to commit to giving back to Canada. 
"It doesn’t matter how you get involved just do it. By helping our fellow Canadians; by participating in our civic life; by working to build prosperity in our communities—this is how we build a smarter, more caring and resilient society." 

This message from our Governor General relates easily to communities of any size.  Whether we are thinking of the community of Killam, the community of Flagstaff, or the community of Canada, his words still apply.

Our volunteer community contributes much, and we are very grateful for this.
Whether your service has been in the area of recreation & culture, assisting those who occasionally need a hand up, or working with our youth or our mature citizens, thank you for all that you do.

Whether you have served on a board, picked up a shovel or a hammer when asked, or helped with the time clock at a hockey game, thank you for all that you do.

It all makes a difference, and we thank you for all that you do.

There is, however, more to be done.  As you can guess, our community groups are always looking for fresh ideas, new faces & additional help.  We need all of our community to be engaged, no matter your age or ability.  We all have a talent to share.
I want to issue a challenge to all of you.  Your challenge is to engage your neighbors, friends, & fellow citizens to get involved.  Introduce yourself to that new neighbor – or reintroduce yourself to that old neighbor you haven’t talked to in awhile.  Find out what their passion is.  Invite them out to an event, a work bee, a meeting.  It’s not hard to do – but it does take a conscious effort.  As volunteers, you are ideally suited to take up this challenge.  You are, in essence, Ambassadors for our community.
Every one of us in our community has something to offer.  Whether you are enjoying retirement or are among our youth, there is opportunity for you to volunteer. Or if you have been less active as a volunteer lately, there is opportunity for you to re-engage.
Just think how much more vibrant we could be with only a few more helping hands.
Ambassadors, thank you for taking on this challenge; I know you will be successful.
Killam & our regional communities are great because of all you do.  Keep up the good work, and together we will continue to live "Life Without Compromise". 


Sincerely,
Bud James


Monday, January 12, 2015

Working Regionally & Beyond to Benefit our Community

Did you know - 

  • Town of Killam Public Works Superintendent Dean Berrecloth  is currently serving as President of Alberta Public Works Association.
  • Town of Killam Director of Community Services Char Jackson is currently serving as Secretary of Alberta Recreation & Parks Association.
  • Town of Killam Fire Chief Joe Knievel, EMT, spent several years acting as an Exam Proctor for the Alberta College of Paramedics.
The people noted above are only a few examples of Killam contributing & interacting on a regional or larger stage.

There is an understanding that our municipality cannot be insular; we are part of a broader community that includes Flagstaff, Alberta, Canada & beyond.  

My Council colleagues, as well as Chief Operating Officer Kim Borgel & others, all participate in committee work that is regional in nature, both within the Flagstaff community and on a broader scale.  It's an opportunity to serve on a larger stage, and the benefits coming back to us in terms of networking & learning opportunities almost always outweighs the effort.

Communities that only look inward cannot sustain themselves in the long term.  Our community is fortunate to understand this, and it will serve us well going forward.


Sincerely,

Bud James