President Kathy Rowe with Past President Jeff Forsyth at the CCRA AGM on Nov. 20. After more than 40 years on the executive, Jeff is retiring from the board.
By Kathy Rowe
At this time of year, friends and family come together to celebrate the holidays. There have been a few holiday bazaars, artisan shows and tree lightings within Centennial, Highland Creek and West Rouge in the last couple of weeks and I hope many of you were able to enjoy these events.
Our Special Year of Celebration
The year 2024 has been an exceptional one. Since early spring CCRA has been hyper focused on celebrating our 75th anniversary as one of the longest running community associations in the province. Seventy-five years is nothing to sneeze at and our CCRA Community Challenge event coupled with a party in October proved to be a fun-filled way to share this milestone with Centennial area residents.
AGM Report
Our annual general meeting was held on November 20. At this meeting I spoke of our 75th anniversary, the many events we have supported or been a part of, and the exceptional volunteers that I have had the pleasure of working with throughout 2024. I am happy to remain as CCRA president in 2025.
After 40 plus years with the executive, Jeff Forsyth is retiring from serving the board. When this was announced at the AGM Jeff received a well-deserved standing ovation from the attendees. Jeff’s longtime contribution to the CCRA board has been exceptional. He served as CCRA president for two terms and he has always been the voice of reason around the board table. He continues to be a mentor to me and others in the community. Jeff’s involvement will be missed, but he has assured me that he is only a phone call away. We wish Jeff all the best in his retirement.
On behalf of the board, I will say a fond farewell to transportation director Amaan Jabaar. Amaan’s excellent reporting on the widening of Port Union Road has been much appreciated by board members and readers alike. I want to wish Amaan the best of luck as he pursues both his new job and his masters program.
In addition to Amaan, member at large Mark Campbell will be stepping away from our board. Mark joined in 2018 as transportation director. Over the years he has been very supportive to our board amidst his very busy family life. Thank you, Mark, and don’t be a stranger!
I am pleased to say that our AGM elections brought in three new board members! I’d like to welcome Karen Dias, Sue Anfang and John Whyte. I look forward to working with them as we embark on CCRA’s 76th year.
Finally I’d like to thank Gay Cowbourne very much for facilitating our elections at the AGM.
Community Carol Singing
On Sunday, December 8 at 7 p.m., St Dunstan of Canterbury church will be hosting their annual Christmas Community Carol Sing. This is always an enjoyable event. If you attend, please stay to enjoy some refreshments following the sing-a-long courtesy of CCRA.
On Friday, December 20, join the Bel Canto Singers at the West Rouge C.C. for a fun and spirited Christmas sing-a-long. West Rouge Sports and Recreation is sponsoring this event The gathering will take place outdoors starting at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
I want to wish our Centennial residents happy holidays and all the best in 2025!