President’s Message

Greetings Heritage Point,

I think Mr Rogers said it best when he said: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” It is with this in mind that I, and I hope you, choose to walk through this challenging time. Talking with neighbours and reading stories on social media I see acts that display this spirit of helping. Helping to get others through what could be an otherwise challenging, lonely, and isolated time. I see our neighbours staying connected via social media and text and phone, checking in on eachother, offering support and assistance where needed, and advice on where to find groceries. I see people encouraging others to light up their Christmas lights in solidarity. I see stories of people staying connected by walking their neighbourhood looking for 4 leaf clovers posted on homes’ front doors. I see others offering services like math help, tech help, and childcare. I see so many helpers in our community and city that it’s hard not to feel positive and warmth in the face of all this uncertainty and turmoil. And if nothing else that show of solidarity, thoughtfulness, and caring that our neighbours are displaying towards eachother is what makes me proud to be living where I do. 

We have a number of updates to fill you in on with the current COVID-19 pandemic still unfolding. 

1. April means National Volunteer Appreciation Week is here again. This month, and the week of 19-25 in particular, is our chance to celebrate all of what makes being in our community great. A very dedicated group of individuals joins me on the HPCL Board planning awesome events and amazing programming, committee meetings, and soccer seasons. Without the hardwork, leadership, and dedication of these Board members working (sometimes up to full-time hours) we would not have all these initiatives including Neighbourhood Watch, Rink Planning, Soccer programming, events, and other programming we all enjoy. I’m proud to stand and work beside my fellow board members and thankful for their contributions. On top of this we have a number of committed volunteers in our community on committees, coaching sports teams, and doing their part to ensure our community continues to be what it is. A heartfelt thank you to all for your contributions! As part of our celebrations of Volunteer Appreciation Week we were planning our Annual Volunteer Appreciation Event for the end of April. Unfortunately with current events this event had to be cancelled for now.  
2. Soccer planning continues as we await word from our governing bodies SWEMSA, EMSA, and above to provide guidance on how they’d like to proceed. With the start of the outdoor season planned for the beginning of May there appears to still be time for the season to transpire as planned. HPCL has made a number of provisions in light of current conditions. These include:
   1. Coach’s Meetings originally planned for April 6 & 7 are cancelled and moved to email correspondence.
   2. IF the outdoor season does get completely cancelled (no partial season occurs) by our governing bodies, HPCL has approved a full refund of soccer fees. 
   3. HPCL continues to await and will follow decisions made by our governing bodies on the continuance of the season. As decisions are made HPCL will keep our soccer families informed. Your patience is appreciated.
3. Sportball has garnered a great response from families within Heritage Point. It is unfortunate again due to the current crisis that HPCL has had to make the decision to postpone the program once again. HPCL will shred all cheques previously sent for registration, cancel current registrations, and notify those families and the rest of the community when we plan to reschedule. Thank you for your patience and support for this program. We look forward to 
4. With the cancellation of so many upcoming programs and events the HPCL Board is looking to shift our focus away from our normal slate of events, programming, and services – at least for the time being – and brainstorm ways we can do our part to help our neighbours cope and recover once we come out of this. More information on these opportunities as we go. Stay tuned to our social media and website www.heritagepointcl.ca.

I’ll leave you with one final quote from Mr Rogers. “We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It’s easy to say “It’s not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.” Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes.” This is a time for us all to stand up, take ownership, and say this is my community, my world, and our problem. Continue to look out for and check on your neighbours. Continue to spread positivity and great ideas. Stay connected and never forget your responsibility to yourself and your community. Be the hero in our community Mr Rogers looks to. 

Stay safe, be well, and keep positive.

Jon Morgan

President

Heritage Point Community League