Potential: Constructive and Destructive



The Myth of Sisyphus

One of the things we are doing as we grow and change is compete against our own potential. We do this both constructively and destructively.

As we challenge our potential we have to become champions against inertia and complacency.



This has been expanded from notes taken from Jeff Mulligan, Mayor of Lloydminster at the Humboldt Infrastructure Conference April 2013.

Ducks Unlimited at the Motherwell Reservoir

Ducks Unlimited recognized this past Monday, June 10, the importance of Motherwell Reservoir with signs indicating the various functions of the reservoir. Some of the signs included the Buffalo Rubbing Stone and the different bird flight paths flying through.

Ducks Unlimited Unveiling their Sign at Motherwell Reservoir, June 10, 2013

Learning about the importance of Motherwell was a grade 4 class from Elizabeth School. They were an enthusiastic group. Support for the initiative was funded with a private partner.

Celebrating with Ducks Unlimited, June 10, 2013

The first motto adopted by Kindersley a century ago was: “The land shall provide.” The land can provide but what we have learned over the last 100 years is that we need to steward the land responsibly to ensure that it thrives. The land does provide but we can’t take wantonly.

One of the initiatives the Town has undertaken at Motherwell is to allow the prairie grass to reassert itself as the dominant grass specie. Part of the process is allowing the grass to go uncut allowing the natural grass to mature and grow. As a result the only grass cutting is next to the walking trail.

 

The Motherwell Reservoir Walking Trail Committee have done a wonderful job developing this little bit of wilderness in Kindersley. Thank you Ron and crew!

Moment with the Mayor: Kindersley's Tapestry - Civic Groups

Hi Everyone:

One of the components of the Strategic Plan we are developing relates to growth. Everyone wants growth. Growth is important. Without growth, it will be challenging for the Town to provide its services and facilities on a sustainable basis. We need to grow our retail base, our commercial base, and our industrial base. Most importantly, we need to grow our residential areas. These are important components. However, as important as business and homes are to growth, there are other parts of the community just as important that are often unrecognized - our civic groups.

Civic groups contribute to the quality of life of our Town and include:

·         Arts and Culture such as Kindersley and District Arts Council and the Music Festival;

·         Community groups such as the Rotary Club and the Masons;

·         Churches like Kindersley Christian Fellowship and Clearview Brethren in Christ;

·         Social agencies that provide critical support as does West Central  Crisis and Family Support Centre, Spokes Family Resource Centre and the Salvation Army;

·         Recreation organizations that provide opportunities for leisure, such as Minor Sports, Minor Ball, Minor Soccer, and more.

These are some of the threads of our community that make Kindersley a rich tapestry. Each thread has a role and its supporters to enrich our lives. As we grow as a community, each of our community organizations grows and must enhance their capacity to be more effective. Civic groups, regardless of their purpose, must be sustainable.

People move to a community because of the economic opportunities and the quality of life that is available. We have the economic opportunities. What we are still building is the quality of life. This is, to a large degree, what Phase 2 is about - enhancing our quality of life. Building our quality of life is also what the arts and culture groups do, as well as the community groups, churches, social agencies, and recreation organizations. The Kindersley Klippers are also a part of this if they are supported by their fans and corporate sponsors.

Recently, I attended the Klippers AGM to learn more about their current state of affairs and their plans to build their future. I was encouraged by what they presented. The Klippers say they have corporate and fundraising support. I am looking forward to seeing them build up their fan base to the numbers they are aiming for: 440 – 600 season ticket holders. The Klippers are a part of our community and I would like to see them succeed.

Please write or phone if you would like me to discuss a particular topic. If you have any questions or comments drop me a line at the town office or email me at mayorenns-wind@kindersley.ca. You can also check out my blog at http://mayorjohn.blogspot.ca/. I appreciate your feedback.

Have a good week!

365 Lloyd "Sparky" Ament Squadron Annual Ceremonial Review and Change of Command 2013

The 365 Lloyd “Sparky” Ament Air Cadet Squadron held their Annual Ceremonial Review and Change of Command this past Saturday. It was a good Review and well attended.

365 Squadron Annual Ceremonial Review and Change of Command, June 8, 2013

The Review saw a number of promotions among both the cadets and the Officer Staff supporting the Cadets. Some highlights include:

·         WO Bird assuming command from WO Hilts;

      ·         The most improved Cadet was Cpl Steier;
      ·         The Cadet for whom the other Cadets regarded as a model was Sgt Klassen;
      ·         The best marksmen award went to FCpl Berg

This past year was a year of growth for the Squadron as they almost doubled the number of Cadets to 32. The Squadron is hoping for continued growth this coming year. Lt Hahn expressed the Squadron’s ambition to continue to grow as they celebrate their tenth and host a much larger review next year.

Kindersley is fortunate to have a number of quality programs for our youth. Our youth can participate in the Air Cadets, SLC, Youth Initiative Program, Youth Council, church groups, sports teams, music and culture programs, plus volunteer opportunities. It is good to see tomorrow’s leaders learning the required attributes and skills to become the best of what our community is about. As I watch my sons participate and learn from community leaders, I am encouraged about our future.

If you want to learn more about Air Cadets click here.

Clinic and Hospital Parking

Have you noticed the parking around the Clinic and the Hospital?

New Driveway to the Clinic, June 8, 2013

Recently the Clinic approached the Town asking for help to develop some parking. We have agreed to help the Clinic and Heartland Health Region develop their parking lot but only after they have developed a parking plan.

The Clinic and Heartland Health are still developing their plan and the Town will act once a signed agreement is in place.

Kindersley Chamber of Commerce Trade Show Conversations

I had a good time visiting with everyone who stopped by the booth or talked with me around the trade show.

Thank you for all of the positive comments you made about our work on your behalf. It has been a learning experience for almost all of us; your goodwill means a lot.

The main topics that were mentioned were bugs, weeds, and the Klippers. I have touched on these topics in other blogs.

One more thing: Councillor Vaughn Biberdorf is a 'Ticket Master.' I am sure Vaughn could sell air conditioning in the arctic.

If you have any questions, concerns, comments, or suggestions please email me and I will do my best to answer your email here.

The Pool

The Pool Entrance, June 8 2013

The pool is scheduled to open June 10th. The late date is due to the cooler evening temperatures slowing down the warming of the water. The Town painted the pool this year so it should look much better. The paint also seals some of the hairline cracks that have appeared over time.

The Pool Waiting for Swimmers, June 8, 2013

Weed Control

There have been some questions about the Town’s weed control. The Town has already sprayed each area once, most spots twice, and aiming to spray all areas twice. The type of weed control used is “Touchdown” (is a form of Round-up) It is purchased from GMACS and “Par 3” is selective broadleaf herbicide and purchased from Viterra. Both of these suppliers are local businesses.

Jurassic Park, June 8, 2013

The Town has tried to be timely in the application of weed control but sometimes it doesn’t always work out. Did you know the Town maintains 650,295.1 m² of grounds including the application of weed control? Here are the green spaces around Town; the Town doesn’t maintain all of them directly, some are done through contracts.

·         Ball Diamonds: Berard Field, Flanagan Field, Water Treatment Diamond, Kindersley Inn Diamonds, Elizabeth School Diamonds and Soccer Pitches

·         Neighbourhood Parks: Kinsmen Park, McGowan Park, Elks Park - Queen Drive, O'Connar Cres. Park, Rutley Crescent Park, Jurassic Park ( located across from the golf course & behind the Water Treatment Plant), Baker Park, Phase 7 Future Park, Centennial Park,

·         Mother Well Reservoir: Community Walking Trail.

·         Kindersley Regional Park: Camping, Park area, Golf Course & Ball Diamonds.

·         Other Green Space: Intersection Highway 7 & 21 ( green space and Picnic area, Old Water Tower Site, ditches along the highways)

·         Town Owned Facilities with green space: Skate Board Park & Tennis Court, Aquatic Centre - building is surrounded by green space. Picnic area was added and has a large open grass area, Fire Hall - Large green space in front of building, Town Office - Surrounded by green space.

·         Kindersley Soccer and Football Field

 

If you have any questions or suggestions please email me.

Bouquet: Kindersley Chamber of Commerce Annual Trade Show

This past Thursday and Friday the Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual Trade Show. It was a great time of visiting with people and seeing the different goods and services available.

A Bouquet to Pat Perkins and her crew for their hard work organizing this traditional event!

Bouquet: Street Cleaning

Weather permitting I bike with my youngest son to and from school. One day paving crews were on 7th Ave W doing a driveway. Going to school at 1:00 was an obstacle course as we tried to avoid clumps of mud and asphalt.

Less than two hours later I biked to do a couple of errands and pick up my son. At 3:00 you could hardly tell the paving crew had been there.

Way to go Randy Striemer for the great street cleaning services you provide us!

Thank you!

Click here to see the street sweeping schedule.