Volunteer Lawn Mowing?

Hauling equipment and personnel out to the Beiseker Airport to mow the large expanses of grass, there, is expensive for the Village.  A group of hangar owners out there have volunteered to mow the grass themselves.  So far this year, Public Works has yet to go out to our airport to mow yet the grass is all mowed and tidy!  We owe a huge vote of thanks to those volunteers.

I was thinking; if it works out there, could it work here in the village?  Residents and businesses are responsible for mowing the grass on the Public Reserve area (boulevard) in front of their home and the area behind their property to the middle of the lane-way -- but are there other public spaces which could be kept tidy, voluntarily?

Areas around the fire hall, the medical center, the ball diamonds, the public flower beds,  and other places within the Village might benefit from this kind of volunteerism!  I know there are some folks who already volunteer to tidy up some of these areas, but I think we could use more.  Just an idea!

If you think you'd like to help out somewhere in the Village, please check with the Village Office first.  And - thank you!

Honoured

Last Monday night, just before we convened our July Council Meeting, I was most honoured to be presented with a Senator's Contribution Award!

The award was presented to me through the office of the Honourable Doug Black, Q.C., an Alberta Senator.  I was very pleased and honoured to accept this award.  My wife and I have always enjoyed volunteering.  It is one way we can give back to the community we enjoy living in so much!

Thank you to our CAO Jo Lambert and our village staff for nominating me for this most appreciated award.  To be sure, our volunteer efforts will continue after I retire from Council this fall.

The Quacking of Ducks!

Just over a hundred and fifty years ago, U.S. Navy Commodore Matthew Perry visited the east coast of Asia.  I understand it was an introductory meeting to introduce the United States of America to that part of the world.  For the most part, the Asian nations he met were friendly and interested in this new nation across the Pacific,

One thing the Asians did comment on was the American language.  They said it sounded like the quacking of ducks!

I fear that trait has returned!  Many young people I meet (especially young women) speak with a very nasal accent.  Instead of speaking in bold round sounds through their mouths, they add a nasal twang to their speech!  I don't know if it's taught or just learned through social interaction.  Maybe they speak like that to get people's attention, but I personally find it quite distracting. 

Or maybe my generation gap is showing again! ;)