I always have trouble explaining to people what I do for work. My job title is Community Developer - Youth. In the simplest terms, a community developer works for the community. We help groups get started, we assist existing groups with projects and also help find them funding. Sp specifically for me, I work for the youth in this community. What's interesting in my case is that I'm not in the Community Development unit, I'm in Social Planning. I don't want to get too much into the differences, but Social Planning is also known as Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) and we're funded partially by the province. Perhaps I'll explain one day...

Anyway, whether we like it or not, a large part of our job is event planning. One of these events, called Community Showcase, is something we hold each fall. All the local agencies, groups, nonprofits, and sports organizations are invited out to flaunt their stuff. Many sports groups use this event to hold registration, so it can get pretty crazy. Basically, we provide a table and some space and let them do their thing. To attract the public we have a free BBQ, kids games, and some live entertainment. We tried to keep it small this year because we're going all out with our Centennial celebrations next weekend. Still, it's an event that I always enjoy doing.

This year we had the BBQ, and the mayor did an awesome job cooking hot dogs. We had staff from Genesis Place run some kids games, we had the broom ball association do some demos, and we had like 12 ladies from Good Life Fitness do a bunch of working out in skimpy outfits. It was a family affair, I assure you.

As usual, my wonderful Hyjinx Youth Council volunteers came out to help and were amazing. I've got such a great group right now, but sadly they're all in grade 12 and will be leaving me come June. I remember meeting most of them when they were in grade 9 and they were all so small and innocent. They're practically adults now, and I know I'm going to miss them when they go. We've formed an amazing bond, and although that sometimes leads to them telling me things I shouldn't know, I'm glad they're comfortable with me. The task now is to recruit some new members who will be with me for a few more years.

So, even though work has been stressing me out, there are moments when I absolutely adore what I do. This next week is going to be bat shit insane with Centennial, but we're all going to have fun doing it. I have a great work team and a wonderful pool of volunteers. Here's what's planned:

September 10, 2009 - Official Centennial Weekend Kick-off

* 3 pm - 5:30 pm - Unveiling of the Historical Markers Tour starting at the Plainsmen Arena for a bus tour to unveil five historical markers around the city.
* 7:30 pm - Speeches at City Hall
· speech from Mayor Bruce
· introduction of attending dignitaries
· speech from Blake Richards, MP
· speech from Rob Anderson, MLA (if in attendance)
* 8:00 pm - Performance by Ron Simon – Centennial Song
* 8:05 pm - Unveiling of the Legacy Art Project
* 8:10 pm - Birthday Cake
* 9:00 pm - Fireworks - Viewing from City Hall or Nose Creek Park

September 11, 2009 - 'Future' Day
School events and celebrations, school musical showcase, and Battle of the Bands (@ Nose Creek Park - Volunteers Required), and the Airdrie Youth Performing Arts Showcase!


Airdrie Youth Performing Arts Showcase at Nose Creek Park
9:30 am – 3:00 pm

* 9:00 - 9:30 am - R. J. Hawkey Elementary School Grade 4
* 9:45 - 10:15 am - Edwards Elementary Grade 4
* 10:30 - 11:00 am - Ralph McCall
* 11:15 - 11:45 am - Our Lady Queen of Peace / Good Shepherd
* 12:00 - 12:30 pm - A. E. Bowers
* 12:45 - 1:15 pm - Nose Creek Elementary
* 1:30 - 2:00 pm - George MacDougal High School Band
* 2:15 - 3:00 pm - St. Martin de Porres

Centennial Football Game

* 5:30 pm at Bert Church High School

FREE Concert by Se7enth Rain, with opening bands Storm and Autumn Arson

* 7 pm - 10 pm at Nose Creek Park


Airdrie Little Theatre Live Performance

* 7 pm - 9 pm at Bert Church Live Theatre



September 12, 2009 - 'Past Day'

Old Time Fair, Live Entertainment, BBQ (Nose Creek Park), Street Dance / Barn Dance

NOSE CREEK PARK

* 9:00 am - 11:00 am – Free Breakfast (sponsored by ATCO Gas)
* 11:00 am – 6:00 pm - Old Time Fair
o "Old Time" demonstrations (movie house/General Store/Black Smith/threshing machine/antique cars/crafts & quilting/fall fair/old time photographs)
o Public contests (pie eating, hotdog eating and homebaking)
- Homebaking Contest Rules and Details
o Kids games and races
o Butterfield Acres Fun Farm petting area
o 2 stages of local entertainment
o Horse & wagon rides
o Nose Creek Museum viewing
* 5:00 pm -7:00 pm - FREE BBQ (sponsored by Edward Jones)
* 6:00 pm –Midnight – Barn Dance
Featuring: Prairie Mountain Fiddlers/Ronnie & the Fixations and Why Martin

IRON HORSE PARK

* 10:00 am – 5:00 pm - FREE Miniature Steam Train Rides
* 10:30 am – Performance by Our Lady Queen of Peace School, "The Last Spike"

NOSE CREEK VALLEY MUSEUM

* 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm - UFA Centennial Display


BERT CHURCH LIVE THEATRE

* 2:30 pm – Airdrie Little Theatre Play

ECOLE AIRDRIE MIDDLE SCHOOL

* 2:00 pm – Unveiling of Historical Marker and School Reunion
Student/Teacher Reunion at Woodside Seniors Clubhouse at 411 Woodside Dr.


September 13, 2009 - 'Present Day' @ Nose Creek Park


* 8 am - FREE Breakfast (sponsored by the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce)
* 9:30 am - Mayor's Run starts (registration is earlier)
* 9:30 am - Non-denominational Church Service
* 11 am - 4 pm
o Farmer's Market, local artisans, Airdrie Community Choir, kid's activities, medieval group