We Have Company

Appearances by politicians, community leaders and business owners were a welcome addition to the 2012 Annual General Meeting of the Blackburne Creek Homeowners’ Association.  The meeting was held on Monday, November 5 at the Ellerslie Rugby Club.

 

For the first time, a number of special guests were invited and asked to say a few words to provide more information to members who attended the meeting.  Councillor Bryan Anderson talked about the need for citizens to contact his office or other City of Edmonton departments when they needed action on an issue.  MLA Matt Jeneroux, who was elected last April, let everyone know he’s an active member of the community and also opened his door to offer help.  The President of the Blackmud Creek Community League (BCCL) was also in attendance.  Gil Rueck let the members know that Blackburne Creek is a part of the BCCL and he also talked about some projects that BCCL is involved in, including a skating rink that’s just about ready to open.  Finally, the owner of the Shoppes of Blackburne Creek, Robert Gaetz and the owner of the Companion Veterinary Clinic, Kevin Benoit both spoke about their desire to be a positive part of the community. The Shoppes of Blackburne Creek is expected to have two or three other tenants in the coming months, according to Gaetz. Benoit’s vet clinic is the first tenant in the retail complex, which is located at the corner of 111 Street and Blackburn Drive.

 

For the business side of the meeting, outgoing President Grant Ainsley provided members with a report on the activities of the association over the past year.  Treasurer Drew Schofield reviewed the financial statement for the year ending June 30, 2012.  It showed a loss of about $10,000.  Schofield said it was a unique year, but noted the Board of Directors has passed a balanced budget for the current year and that should be attainable.  Koshman and Associates will once again serve as the accountants for the association and provide the financial review for the 2013 AGM.

 

Two longtime members of the Board of Directors, Guy Luke and Glenn Thamer decided not to seek re-election.  Resident Nell Vandewark accepted a nomination to run and will be joined on the 2012-13 Board by Ainsley, Schofield, Brian Hawrelak, Len Hawreliak, Dan Edwards and Sushanta Mitra. Executive positions will be chosen when the Board holds its first meeting on December 5.

 

Finally the winner of the Volunteer of the Year Award was announced.  This year the Board selected Hilda and Guenther Mollenbeck because of their contributions to the community for more than a decade.  They weren’t able to attend the meeting, having left earlier in the day for a cruise.  They were presented with their plaque the day before by members of the Board of Directors.  Hilda and Guenther are pictured in the photo above with Brian Hawrelak (left) and Guy Luke (right).