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Rising Sun Clubhouse members celebrate a year of accomplishments

Members of Ponoka Rising Sun Clubhouse Society filling the clubhouse were all smiles as they gathered for their annual general meeting.
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Barry Cameron and Amanda Henderson-Kada

Members of Ponoka Rising Sun Clubhouse Society filling the clubhouse were all smiles on Thursday, Oct.8 as they gathered for their annual general meeting.

The AGM gave clubhouse members a chance to celebrate the work they have done together over the year and to see that the club’s programs are doing well. Executive director Amanda Henderson-Kada praised the clubhouse members for their dedication to its programs.

“You 132 people each bring something individual to the clubhouse,” she stated.

She added the club’s blue box program, which has been in operation for last 18 years, is doing well.

Financials for the society’s 2015 fiscal year show the blue box and cardboard recycling program made $53,145 with expenses at $48,509. Henderson-Kada added that given the cost to run the vehicle for the curb-side pickup, there was little profit but that the purpose of it was to get members working.

“It truly just pays for itself and gives the ability to employ individuals who don’t have that ability to seek employment in a normalized environment,” she explained in an interview.

Revenue shows a total of $406,000 and expenses at $430,000. Despite a $24,000 total operations deficit, the clubhouse is able to use its savings to cover the difference said accountant Howard Rowland of Rowland, Parker and Associates. He added that one of the reasons for the deficit was that the clubhouse took part in a casino fundraiser in 2014 but not 2015. Members must wait another year before being eligible to work a casino fundraiser.

Board chair Noel Harvey spoke to attendees and said the clubhouse was one big family.

Harvey suggested that while there is some concern over the future of the program after the Town of Ponoka adopted a recycle program that does not include the clubhouse, its board of directors will fight to ensure the program continues. He feels that once the clubhouse has more information from the town, the two groups should be able to work out an agreement.

Henderson-Kada said it has taken some time to meet with town planners after town council requested administration include the clubhouse in the town’s recycling program. Requests to see the recycling agreement with Green for Life, the company hired to conduct roadside recycling, were denied until it gets signed, she explained.

Henderson-Kada was scheduled to speak to council at its Oct. 13 meeting.

Recognizing members

Hard work on the recycling team by member Barry Cameron earned him this year’s Work Crew Member of the Year Award.

“When he is on work crew, he gives 110 per cent every time,” said Henderson-Kada.

Members were also invited to offer thoughts on the club and several did. Betty Hahn said the clubhouse has become an environment where she feels welcomed.

“This is what I feel about this clubhouse: I like myself when I come here,” she explained.

Others took the time to praise the members for their hard work and for creating a positive and friendly environment. Henderson-Kada said each member brings something positive to the clubhouse.

Also in attendance AGM was Coun. Tim Falkiner, CAO Rachel Kunz and Dave McPhee, Town of Ponoka director of operations and property services.