SUNDRE – After 25 years, a local non-profit community service organization remains as committed as ever to supporting Sundre and area residents.
About two dozen people attended on June 18 a commemorative ceremony celebrating the Greenwood Neighbourhood Place Society’s major milestone.
Among them were volunteers, board members, and staff – all past and present – as well as dignitaries.
Marking the occasion was the unveiling of two benches and a tree along the walking path near the Sundre Seniors’ Supportive Living centre.
“This is more than a celebration of time,” said Mountain View County Division 4 councillor Tiffany Nixon.
“It’s a celebration of connection and care, and of community and commitment,” said Nixon.
“For a quarter of a century, Greenwood Neighbourhood Place has been a cornerstone of support for Sundre and area,” she said.
The dedication of the benches and a tree, she added, symbolizes what the society stands for – the bench as a place to pause, reflect and connect while the tree is a living symbol of growth that sets deep roots.
Also offering some words on behalf of Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre MLA Jason Nixon was constituency manager Jody Mercier-Layden, who attended on his behalf as the minister had been called to caucus and was in Lloydminster at the time.
Layden, who also presented a ministerial certificate, congratulated the society on the occasion and expressed gratitude to all of those who have contributed over the many years.
“This milestone is a testament to your unwavering commitment to build a stronger, more connected and compassionate community,” she said.
Town Coun. Owen Petersen, who spoke on behalf of the municipality but was also joined by councillors Todd Dalke and Jaime Marr, shared a few thoughts.
“I was still in high school when this was formed,” he said, eliciting a few laughs.
The councillor said the occasion was an opportunity to celebrate the society’s dedication to community and went onto praise the work accomplished by all those involved.
“The citizens of Sundre and area have benefitted by your commitment to ensure inclusion and social equality for everyone by providing meaningful assistance and programing for all ages,” he said.
The event also offered a chance for the society to announce a change in leadership, with former program coordinator Bree Odd stepping in as executive director ahead of Donny Krahn’s impending departure at the end of June.
During an address after introducing herself, Odd said the society got started in 2000 courtesy of a team of dedicated community members who wanted to make a difference.
“And it’s been going strong since; that’s a real accomplishment,” she said.
She described the organization as a place where anyone can turn to and feel like they have somewhere to go when they need support or resources.
“It’s a place to feel like you belong,” she said.
“And really, that’s what our bench is also for. It’s a place to sit and take a break, it’s a place to connect with neighbours, it’s a place to feel like you belong,” she said.
“Regardless of where you are in Sundre, that’s how you should feel.”
The society’s new executive director also recognized and expressed appreciation for the community members as well as the board’s trustees, past staff and all of the volunteers who over the years have pitched into paving the path to make it all possible.
“I’m pretty new to the community; it’s an amazing community with lots of support,” she said.
“And that’s what it takes to be a great community and to have a great organization like Greenwood Neighourhood Place.”
