Community
Central Elementary School will become our Concert Hall, no doubt about it.
It has become obvious that Central Elementary School will become a concert hall/ performing arts centre after the Canada Games in 2019.
Our city’s leaders finally came to grips with our city’s declining health and cut back in their budget. Budgets were cut, positions cut, long time employees were given pink slips for Christmas. Was it enough, or was it window dressing?
It is rather coincidental that the city acquires Central Elementary School to repurpose for the 2019 Canada Games, then approves $220,000 for a feasibility study on what kind of performing arts centre/cultural facility is needed. 3 years ahead of schedule.
The city may be coming to grips with the fact that the city is declining fast. The worst unemployment in Alberta, declining population, declining revenues, increasing bankruptcies, and losing of hope for many, but they continue to spend money downtown. They terminated employees but will spend $1.7 million on the Riverwalk and with the $220,000 for the feasibility study that is almost 2 million in questionable spending.
The arena is being replaced, downtown. Did anyone ask, or even consider, if just perhaps it could have been built in another, much more practical location? No, it is downtown, it would be blasphemous to think otherwise. Why would we build it away from downtown, like they did when it was initially built? What is wrong with having it in front of and hiding another arena?
Last year Red Deer lost almost 1% of their population while surrounding communities grew. Blackfalds and Penhold grew, and both had recent recreational centres built away from their downtowns. Do they know something that our city leaders do not?
Perhaps we should ask ourselves why Red Deer has been hit the hardest in Alberta. Harder than Nisku, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, or Medicine Hat? Why did Blackfalds build their new Abbey Centre away from downtown and then grow by 700 residents last year? Why did Red Deer build the Collicutt Centre away from downtown 15 years ago? Why did Blackfalds build more new homes than Red Deer? Why does Penhold need more land, while Red Deer is shrinking?
Could it be our blind dedication to the downtown? Could it be our continued neglect of residents living north of the river? Could it be that we are stuck in our ways and do not accept change? Whatever it is that keeps us on this downhill slope, we know that our money will keep pouring into the downtown.
The city will turn Central Elementary School into the Concert Hall, they will do studies and surveys until they get the results they want, and use that to justify their decision, which I believe has already been made.
L to R: Cindy Jefferies, Susan Knopp, Lane Tomalty, Bre Fitzpatrick
Photo credit: The SnapHappy Photographer
After a decade of leadership under Cindy Jefferies and Susan Knopp, 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer (100+ WWCRD) is proud to celebrate 10 years of supporting local charities and the announcement of Bre Fitzpatrick and Lane Tomalty as its new co-leaders. This marks an exciting new chapter for the group, which has made a significant impact on not-for-profit organizations in Central Alberta.
Cindy and Susan have led 100+ WWCRD with vision, dedication, and a commitment to empowering women to lead and inspire change. Under their stewardship, the organization has raised over $630,000 for local charities by hosting 4 annual 1-hour meetings. Since 2015, more than 36 local charities have received funding through the group.
Reflecting on their tenure, Cindy and Susan stated:
“Leading 100 Women has been an honour and a privilege. When we began this journey, we didn’t know where it would go – we simply loved the simple, elegant, and fun ‘100 Who Care’ concept and thought it was a great fit for our community. We are grateful to the many women who have stood with us. They are the magic of the organization! We are confident Bre and Lane will steward this leadership role well and we look forward to supporting it – just not from behind the microphone!”
Bre and Lane bring a dynamic energy and fresh perspective to the organization. Both have been involved with the group and have been mentored by Susan and Cindy over the past year. They are eager to continue the collaboration, connection, and local support this team of women have established in Red Deer.
In their joint statement, Bre and Lane shared:
“We are humbled to step into this role and build on the incredible foundation Cindy and Susan have laid. Many needs are at the doorstep of our community and in the hearts and minds of our members. We know a powerful, caring, and united group of individuals can play a huge role in driving change and breaking barriers.
To celebrate this milestone and leadership transition, the 100+ WWCRD hosted the final meeting of 2024 on November 25th at the Red Deer Golf and Country Club. The evening featured reflections from Cindy and Susan, the selection of the Salvation Army as the charity of choice, an opportunity for members to connect with Bre and Lane as they outline their vision for the organization’s next chapter, and a toast to 10 years.
For more information, please visit www.100womenreddeer.ca
About 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer
100+ Women Who Care Red Deer is a network of compassionate, empowered, and dedicated women who make a direct, immediate, and positive impact in Red Deer and area. We support local non-profit and charitable organizations that work every day to make our community a better place to live. 100% of funds donated go to the selected charities – there are no
administration fees, and all costs are covered by the generosity of sponsors. Collectively, we make a difference.
The group meets 4 times annually for 1 hour. Non-profit and charitable organizations are nominated by members. After hearing 3 randomly drawn pitches, the members vote to select their top choice. The group with the highest number of votes receives the members’ donations. Each member or team commits to donating $100 at each meeting. Since 2015, the average raised has been more than $15,000 per meeting.
Membership is open to all women In Red Deer and area. We invite you to join us! The first meeting of 2025 will be on Monday, February 3, 2025.
Founded in February 2015, the organization currently has about 150 members. We are committed to uniting this powerful group of 100+ women who care and lifting the amazing non-profits and charitable groups they support.
Festival of Trees tickets are on sale now! Get ’em while they’re hot!
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