Presidents Message – August 2022

What a lovely summer! I have seen flying fish but never a summer fly by so quickly. I hope you have been enjoying this year as much as possible.

We had a successful rock painting event at the Carling 125th Anniversary Picnic.  Both adults and children really had fun and so did we, the Volunteers.  Thanks to Donna Tucker, Peter Pook, Janis Wade and Bruce Kelly.  This event was a hit!

Our AGM was held on August 6th in person at the Carling Community Centre rink. Prior to the meeting we had a chance to speak with many of you and get a bit caught up.  It was certainly wonderful to be able to do that after the past two years. We had a presentation from the GBBR’s (Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve) Kyla Judge, Cultural Programs Manager. She spoke about the work her organization does. She is responsible for the development and delivery of the cultural programs.  We have in the past also worked with them on events which have been both fun and informative. As well, we heard from our GBA (Georgian Bay Association) president Rolfe Jones.  He gave an outline of what projects GBA has on the go and how important it is for us to be members to support the work they do.

We also elected a new Board member.  Richard Wilson who is a former North Sound Association member. He has retired and now lives in Carling.  He is also our second representative to Georgian Bay Association (GBA).  With our increased membership – thanks to our merger with North Sound Association and the hard work of our Membership Committee, we now have 2 representatives to GBA.

While we have gained a new Board member, Sheilah Rowe has decided to step down.  Sheilah was instrumental in working with us to accomplish the merger with the North Sound Association. She was a great asset to the Board and I hope to see her back in a few years.

You may have seen that we have a presence at the market on Sundays.  We hope this will build awareness of WCA and maybe even bring in a few new members.  Come and say hello!

Autumn Fest is coming up on September 17th at the Carling Community Centre. Should you wish to “show your stuff” in either Arts and Crafts or Produce check out the Carling website to see all the categories and how to enter.  We will again be doing our Rock Painting Event so bring your children and grandchildren.  Paint yourself a rock to beautify the Community Centre or to take home.

Finally, as you know there is a municipal election on October 24, 2022.  I encourage you to go to the Carling Township website for information or to a new website set up by some Carling residents.  It is www.VoteCarling.ca and will tell you if you are able to vote and how and where to do that.

That is all for now. Reach out at any time if you have questions, concerns or suggestions.  I would love to hear from you.

Take care and stay safe!

Pam