I think no matter what your beliefs are or what holiday you celebrate, the important thing is being with others to enjoy the spirit and reason of the season.

I attended the BSCL Christmas card-making buffet in early November. Although I very much enjoyed letting my creative juices flow and went home with some beautiful cards for holiday giving, when I looked back on that night I realized there was something more that made the evening most enjoyable. It was the fact that I spent a few hours that evening being part of a vibrant and dynamic group of people within our community plaza. I was sharing something with people I know, and of course meeting some new neighbours. It was already dark that evening thanks to the time change and our habitation in a city that is in the “north,” but what made the night feel wonderful is the fact the building seemed “alive” and full of light and happiness. It had a shared spirt and I hope it was a beacon in the night to our community.

Our group was in the Muck & Guck room doing our card crafting. There were families enjoying our Community Café and games night in the Aspen Gallery, and we had the Floor Hockey teams playing a rousing game in the gym. The sounds of conversation and laughter (and some sneakers squeaking on a floor) made me feel like I was in a good place – a happy, safe, and inclusive place with wonderful people to share this moment with. I was part of a community!

I think that is what community is all about – an opportunity for people to share and be part of something, to belong. That is what can raise the human spirit no matter what the reason or the season!

And speaking of the season – we are working hard on the Boyle Street Snowbank Rink and are still looking for some wonderful volunteers. If you love to skate, love the beautiful outdoors in the winter, and want to help give something back to the community, then we want you! You don’t even have to skate as we need volunteers just to monitor our skate room (we lend ice skates for free to our members) and hand out hot chocolate to skaters and visitors. Keep an eye on our website for dates and times our rink will be open.

If you are looking for other great programs to get you out of the house and out into your community, make sure to check our schedule or sign up for our newsletter. All the great info can be found at the Boyle Street Community League web Page at www.boylestreetcl.com or on Facebook at fb.com/BoyleStreetCommunityLeague. You can also contact us at (780) 422-5857 or email the League at info@boylestreetcl.com or email me at
karenbscl@gmail.com.

Season’s Greetings Boyle Streeters!

Karen is the BSCL’s Secretary.