First and foremost, the League board and all the surrounding neighbourhoods give a huge thank you to Grace, our former soccer director. Grace has put a huge amount of time into keeping the soccer program growing and fabulous but has had to resign from that role. Thanks Grace! You will be missed.

This leaves our soccer program in jeopardy. We need volunteers to take on these roles or we simply may not have soccer this summer. If you love soccer, if you have kids in the program, or if you just want to contribute, now is the time. Please contact the League if you are interested in volunteering or would like more information.

We’ve started our children’s dance program on Saturdays at the Boys and Girls Club (9425-109A Ave) from 12-3 p.m. (3-5 year olds 12-12:30, 6-8 years 12:45-1:30, 9-11 years 1:45-2:45). Our rink is open and active almost every day. Free guitar lessons Monday from 8-9:30 p.m. (at Boys and Girls Club). League Members get free access to Commonwealth Rec Centre every Saturday from 5-7 p.m. We are currently planning our big McCauley Family Fair for Caboto Park on the Labour Day weekend (Sun./Mon.) which should be awesome family fun. We are hoping to bring a craft night and a Bridge (or other games) night to the neighbourhood soon too.

Another big thank you goes out to our new neighbourhood partner the Ansgar Lutheran Church for their generous donation of $500 to purchase new guitars for our free Guitar Program and for their offer to participate in Family Day at our McCauley Rink.

As always, the League Continues to move forward on planning, zoning, civic, and provincial issues as they relate to the health, vibrancy, and future of our neighbourhood. The Arena conversation is returning with some new focus on development outside of the Arena. An exciting commercial/residential development is being discussed for 111 Avenue. Our connection to downtown will likely be a focus this year with a new vision for the 97 Street entry way. What do you think of a Chinatown Children’s Park or a themed Chinese Garden instead of the no man’s land that is Mary Burlie Park?

As always, the League Continues to move forward on planning, zoning, civic, and provincial issues as they relate to the health, vibrancy, and future of our neighbourhood.

From a crime and safety perspective we are host to the first murder of the year and already a high concentration of property and personal crimes, but things are improving. We’ve worked hard on changing the attitudes of the City, the EPS, and other support providers and educating them on the structural changes that are needed and changing the “blame the victim” approach that was standard. The EPS especially has become a champion of safety in the core of our City.

Everything we do as a League is powered by volunteers and largely funded by volunteer raised Casino funding. We need your help and support to supply programs, events, and neighbourhood activism. Our Casino will be April 19 and 20 and we need to fill about 40 shifts with volunteers. It’s easy, fun, and very social and without your help we won’t be able to fund any of our activities.

We have changed our email address to mccauleycommunityleague@gmail.com. Check out the website at www.mccauley.info or go to McCauley Community League on Facebook to know what’s going on.