Blaine Lake Community Association (BLCA) held its annual general meeting April 3 in conjunction with a volunteer appreciation barbecue.
The weather was beautiful with the mercury reaching 17 degrees making ideal barbecuing weather.
Jim Joanette, BLCA Chair, expressed his disappointment with the turnout as only a dozen community volunteers attended the event.
Committee reports were presented. The golf course saw an increase in usage over the previous year opening for the season May 17 and shutting down in September. Lorne Popov indicated that more sand is required and the flags need replacing for this season. There was an incident with the payment deposit box but a new system was installed, eliminating any attempts of vandalism.
Figure skating and shinny were successfully held at the skating arena. There were 30 participants in the skating club, shinny was held Wednesday evenings and public skating was held weekly on Friday and Saturday. It was reported that the Blaine Lake Jack hosted a couple of home games and that minor hockey had 18 players between the atom and novice teams. New goal equipment and six jerseys were purchased.
Renovations of the ice arena will occur this summer. High efficiency lighting will be installed in the lobby, dressing rooms and over the ice surface. Foil insulation will be installed over the ice surface to increase the length of ice surface use. The cost of the project is estimated between $65,000 and $70,000. The arena was also the target of some vandalism when the culprits gained entry into the facility and proceeded to turn on and leave on the hot water taps in the facility. This resulted in over $49,000 in damage created from excessive moisture and condensation. Caretaker was Don Sorenson.
The Remembrance Day ceremony was held with 100 people in attendance.
The curling rink was a hub of activity with a regular weekly curling league and various bonspiels held throughout the season. Two separate curling clinics were held for the Grade 5 and 6 students of Blaine Lake Composite School. There was also a "learn to curl" session and "sturling" league. Bert and Barb Dyck operated the concession again this year. Acknowledgement was made to the numerous volunteers and caretaker Don Sorenson for their dedicated services.
The community Christmas party had approximately 60 attend the potluck supper followed by the BLC School elementary choir and the Cheremka dance performance. The multi-purpose school facility received a new microphone and sound system.
The election of directors was held with Lorne Popov, Christie Dargin-Linsley, Mike Linsley and Glen Bowie each accepting another two-year term. They will continue to serve with Larry Androsoff, Bert Dyck, Karen Fiala, Sharon Gauthier, Dale Horner, Jim Joanette, Wendy Onishenko, Marjorie Pool and Nicole Zdimalova. There was concern and much discussion regarding Article 5 which states the Board of Directors of the BLCA shall consist of a minimum of 12 directors elected among the membership of the BLCA at the AGM. The reason for concern arose when only four members accepted the nomination bringing the directorship to 13. Discussion was held and a motion made to amend the constitution.
Emotions ran high as Chair Joanette expressed his concern for the future of the club if lack of support for events continues.
"I enjoy being a part of this group and if we don't get the support we need, the community will lose out," commented Joanette, adding that the organization provides recreational services from "when people start to walk until they can't walk."
Discussion was also held regarding how to notify new individuals within the community about the association and its recreational events. The general consensus of those in attendance was that without commitment and support from the community in the form of event participation, registration for events and volunteers serving as directors, the future looks bleak for the BLCA.
