Service Club Information Night held at Pyramid Recreation Centre

Members of a variety of service clubs and groups met for a town information night where they learned about application processes, fundraising opportunities and some updates from the town.

By Wendy Lamond

On Wednesday, April 8, members of local service clubs, community groups and event organizers met at the Pyramid Recreation Centre (PRC) for an information session put on by the town.

Representatives were there from the Downie Optimist Club, the Kinsmen Club of St. Marys, the Kinette Club of St. Marys, the St. Marys Horticultural Society, the Rotary Club of St. Marys, the Army and Navy Air Force Club (ANAF) St. Marys, the St. Marys Royal Canadian Legion, the St. James Men’s Club, the St. Marys Healthcare Foundation, the Downtown St. Marys BIA, St. Marys Friends of the Library and the St. Marys Inner Wheel Club.

The purpose of this annual information night is to strengthen relations and to encourage open communication between town employees and members of the community who volunteer their time regardless of what organization they are affiliated with. It is meant to be a chance to share updates and discuss topics that are beneficial to the community. It is also a good time to share upcoming projects and events.

St. Marys Mayor Al Strathdee welcomed the group, and each guest introduced themselves and shared what organization they were representing. The town’s tourism and events coordinator, Morgan Easton, shared a few dates for upcoming events this year including the Stonetown Summer Series taking place July 23-26, the Halloween costume and pet parade, contest and trick or treating together with the BIA on Saturday, Oct. 25, and the Winter Lights Market on Dec. 4 and 5.

Easton also discussed the town’s Special Events Planning Guide that provides information on application requirements, checklists and key contact information when starting to plan.

“These resources will ensure that the events are safe, well organized and enjoyable for everyone,” Easton said.

Town public works coordinator Thomas Redman discussed the importance of the application process for sidewalk and road closures during events as the town is responsible for ensuring the right of ways are kept in good shape. He also showed how to log in and access the application process.

The town uses the provincewide Municipal511 to post road closures as it is a common tool used by first responders to keep up to date on restrictions and closures.

More information is better when planning or applying for events.

St. Marys CAO Brent Kittmer spoke about some possible upgrades around town, including Milt Dunnell Field where lighting around the ring road is being considered. There is also talk of a refreshed, more inviting entrance sign, replacement of the current pavilion, better access to the river for fishing, new washrooms and upgrades to the playground.

This summer, there will be approximately six minor-ball tournaments taking place at Milt Dunnell Field, bringing lots of visitors to that area.

St. Marys Public Library CEO Sarah Andrews discussed the 14 Church Street project and updated those present on fundraising efforts in support of the town-owned building. The building will provide some space for library programs. It has been 40 years since any space has been added for the library and with the growing number of participants enjoying the programs, more is needed. The space at 14 Church will be multi-purpose for art, culture, service clubs and more.

“You will see us doing things in the community over the next few years that engages all age groups, and all sectors of our community to feel that it is their project,” Andrews said about fundraising for the 14 Church project.

Including grant funding, the goal of a three-year fundraising campaign for 14 Church is to raise $1 million. The ad-hoc fundraising committee has already raised $200,000 and will be looking for more community support.

Kittmer also discussed dates for the upcoming election this year. It will look a little different than past years as the town will be voting on a new mayor. The nomination period runs from May 1 to Aug 21. There will be advance polls open from Oct. 7-10. Election Day will be held on Oct. 26 with the polls closing by 8 p.m. The new council will take their oath of office on Nov. 15.

Strathdee shared with the group that the town is now responsible for the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum outdoor maintenance and has expanded the parks department, allowing for more flexibility for events.

The town representatives also explained how service clubs can apply for community grants to help cover event costs.

One shared concern among all service clubs currently is the fact it is harder to find volunteers.

There was a suggestion to create a shared social media page to help attract new members, high school students looking for community hours and to provide information about all local service clubs and organizations in one place.

The evening ended with a thank-you to the clubs for their volunteer time by tourism and economic development manager Kelly Deeks-Johnson. She also shared that Easton has accepted a new position in a different organization, and the town is in the midst of filling that role.

“Join me in wishing Morgan all the best. She’s been a real asset for us, and we are certainly going to miss her,” said Deeks-Johnson.