Saturday, June 11, 2016

A Note from the MLA: Leela Aheer



Hello Newsy Neighbours! We have had a very interesting and event-filled month at the legislature and here in the Constituency. I would like to take a minute to thank all the volunteers and donors that worked so hard to bring the Fort McMurray fundraiser to fruition last month. We raised over $25,000 and matched by provincial and federal donations, that is $75,000 plus. I would especially like to thank Aleesha and Denise of the Newsy Neighbour for their efforts in the Chestermere-Rocky View fundraiser. You are both so inspirational and we here at the MLA’s office are so impressed by your community spirit. You report on and promote local business here in Chestermere – Rocky View and in the neighbouring constituency of Strathmore – Brooks. If there is a community event, the Newsy Neighbour is not only there but actively putting their money and volunteer time behind it. Thank you for what you do.

On June 18 I had the great pleasure of attending the Langdon Past, Present, and Future event at the park beside the Field House. Martin Shields, our Member of Parliament, and Rocky View councilor Rolly Ashdown also attended. Ably emceed by Coralee McIntosh of Synergy and presented by the Langdon Community Collaborative, it featured a great pancake breakfast, the opening of the 1983 Time Capsule, the dedication of the Community Garden, and the presentation of awards for Volunteer Of The Year. Longtime resident Charlie Bates opened the Time Capsule and his wife Joan spoke eloquently about Langdon’s rich history. It is remarkable how many of the names in the time capsule or their descendants are still contributing to Langdon. I have a date with Alfred and Eugenia Brander to learn more about Langdon’s past. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Colette Curkan, the Community Garden is finally a reality. Accessible to all, the garden has several “food bank” plots for our neighbours who are experiencing hard times. Colette made a point of thanking Rolly Ashdown for his help in cutting the red tape. This garden is sure to become a showpiece attraction in Langdon. Rolly, Martin, and I had the honour of cutting the ribbon to open the garden. Lisa Baker of the Langdon Community Collaborative introduced the Volunteers of the Year. The adult winner was Chrissy Craig of the Langdon Community Association. Blessed with a new baby, she still finds time to volunteer and is an active force behind Langdon Days. Cat Golden, the youth winner, shows us that Langdon’s future is in good hands. It was quite overwhelming to see the work and care that had been put into this multi-faceted event. Community spirit like this is what makes Langdon a great place to live and raise a family. Check out the pictures on our Facebook page.

Langdon Days is just around the corner. We will be marching in the parade, with lots of candy I might add, will have a booth, and will be volunteering throughout. We are on garbage duty, and hopefully we will see you there, even if we are a little bit messier than usual. Langdon is blessed by having an active Community Association and they put in countless hours, making sure this event is bigger and better every year. Please volunteer; it is a cheap way to put a big smile on your face. As always, we love to hear from you.

Leela Sharon Aheer, MLA

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